HB 3623

Abstract

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that the Apprentice Hunter License shall be a non-renewable license that shall expire on the March 31 following the date of issuance (rather than a one-time, non-renewable license). Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 520 ILCS 5/2.26 from Ch. 61, par. 2.26 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall create a pilot program during the special 3-day, youth-only deer hunting season to allow for youth deer hunting permits that are valid statewide, excluding those counties or portions of counties closed to firearm deer hunting. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules to implement the pilot program. Provides that nothing shall be construed to prohibit the Department from issuing Special Hunt Area Permits for the youth-only deer hunting season or establishing, through administrative rule, additional requirements pertaining to the youth-only deer hunting season on Department-owned or Department-managed sites, including site-specific quotas or drawings. Provides that the provision become inoperative on January 1, 2023. Provides that no person shall have in his or her (rather than his) possession any firearm not authorized by administrative rule for a specific hunting season when taking deer. Provides that the Apprentice Hunter License shall be a non-renewable license that shall expire on the March 31 following the date of issuance (rather than a one-time, non-renewable license). Provides that the license shall entitle the licensee to hunt on private property while supervised by a validly licensed resident or nonresident hunter who is 21 years of age or older and to hunt on public property while supervised by a validly licensed resident or nonresident who is 21 years of age or older and has a hunter education certificate.