Illinois lawmakers are on the verge of implementing significant changes to the management of chronic wasting disease (CWD), a 100% fatal condition affecting deer populations in 21 counties. Two bipartisan bills, passed by both the House and Senate and now awaiting the governor’s approval, propose to loosen hunting restrictions and alter existing management practices to empower landowners more effectively.
One of the key changes includes the introduction of House Bill 2340, which reduces the minimum acreage required for landowners to obtain deer hunting permits from 40 acres to just 20. This move aims to help residents in counties severely impacted by deer overpopulation in protecting their crops and property. According to State Senator Dale Fowler, the measures are a direct response to community feedback from farmers and hunters facing the challenges of CWD and deer overpopulation.
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