Illinois hunting: Deer reg changes proposed

To: Illinois Deer Hunters, Hunters should be aware that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is planning some rule changes prior to the upcoming 2015-2016 deer hunting seasons. All changes must proceed through the Administrative Rules process which requires a 45-day public comment period, revision, and review by the Illinois General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. If changes are approved, they will be in place prior to the opening of archery deer hunting season on Oct. 1, 2015. After listening to constituent groups, and talking with our Office of Law Enforcement, I have decided to push to make these changes this year, and not wait for another hunting season to pass, said IDNR Director Wayne Rosenthal. To do that, we encourage your input and patience as we work through the administrative rules process. Please take the survey at the link below and let us know what you think about overall bag limits for archery deer hunters. You will be able to comment on all these proposed changes during the 45-day comment period. We will let you know as soon as the proposed rules are filed. Proposed changes include: 1. Youth Deer Season permit: IDNR is amending the rule to allow unsuccessful youth deer season hunters to use unfilled permits during the first weekend of the regular firearm season. 2. Bag limit: Below, please find a link to a survey that asks deer hunters their opinion on establishing a bag limit on archery deer hunters. This survey is open to all deer hunters. 3. Non-resident OTC: IDNR intends to eliminate the sale of non-resident Over-the-Counter antlerless-only archery deer permits. Non-residents need to be aware of the intent to make this change and plan accordingly for the upcoming season. More information, including links to proposed rules and instructions on how to comment, will be forthcoming. You can find the hunter survey on bag limits here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KMJMQVG. The survey is open now, and will close on Monday, June 9, 2015.