HB 5962

Abstract

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that a resident youth 18 and under may apply to the Department of Natural Resources for a Youth Trapping License, which extends limited trapping privileges. Provides that the Youth Trapping License shall be renewable and expire on the March 31 following the date of issuance. Provides that possession of a Youth Trapping License shall serve in lieu of a valid trapping license, but does not exempt the licensee from compliance with the requirements of the Code. Provides that a youth with a Youth Trapping License shall not trap or carry a hunting device, including, but not limited to, a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow unless the youth is accompanied by and under the close supervision of a parent, grandparent, or guardian who is 21 years of age or older and has a valid Illinois trapping license. Provides that at age 19 years or when the youth chooses to trap by himself or herself, he or she is required to successfully complete a trapper safety course approved by the Department prior to being able to obtain a full trapping license and subsequently trap by himself or herself. Provides that in order to be approved for the Youth Trapping License, the applicant must request a Youth Trapping License from the Department and submit a $7 fee, which shall be separate from and additional to any other stamp, permit, tag, or license fee that may be required for trapping under the Code. Provides that the Department shall adopt rules for the administration of the program, but shall not require any certificate of competency or other trapping education as a condition of the Youth Trapping License. Provides that no trapping license shall be issued to any person born on or after January 1, 2015, unless he or she presents to the Department evidence that he or she has a certificate of competency.