The Illinois Senate has unanimously passed a significant bill aimed at providing farmers and landowners with greater flexibility in controlling deer populations on their property. Senate Bill 710 seeks to alleviate extensive crop damage caused by deer, which has reportedly resulted in substantial financial losses for farmers, including one who suffered $45,000 in damages. The new regulation allows the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to issue anterless-only deer removal permits based on previous season redemption rates, potentially enhancing farmers’ ability to manage nuisance deer during critical growing periods.
Supporters of the bill, including Senator Patrick Joyce, emphasize that giving farmers better tools to manage deer is essential for protecting agricultural yields and natural resources. With the measure now proceeding to the House for further deliberation, farmers are optimistic about the potential relief from this growing concern, which impacts food supply and prices across the state. The Illinois Farm Bureau backs the initiative, highlighting it as a result of grassroots advocacy from farmers facing these challenges.
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