Keith Lusher 02.04.26
Illinois lawmakers are weighing a proposal that would significantly expand the number of free hunting permits available to qualifying landowners, a move supporters say could help improve herd management while giving property owners more flexibility during deer and turkey seasons.
Senate Bill 2924, introduced by Neil Anderson, would amend the Illinois Wildlife Code to increase the number of no-fee permits issued to resident landowners. Current law allows landowners to receive up to four free permits. Under the proposal, that total would jump to 10.
The bill would authorize five archery season permits and five firearm season permits, all issued as either-sex permits. The permits could be used for deer, turkey, or combination deer-turkey hunting and would be valid on all farmland the landowner owns, leases, or rents, provided other regulations are met.
The legislation would not alter the existing limit on antlerless-only permits, which would remain capped at one permit across both hunting seasons.
Acreage requirements would vary based on chronic wasting disease presence. In counties where the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has confirmed CWD cases, landowners would need to own at least 20 acres to qualify. In counties without confirmed cases, the minimum acreage would increase to 40 acres.
Supporters note that similar landowner permit structures already exist in neighboring states. Missouri, for example, allows landowners to obtain multiple archery and firearms permits depending on acreage, including additional antlerless opportunities for larger properties.
The proposal comes just days after a separate hunting bill was introduced in the Illinois House by Rep. Wayne A. Rosenthal. That measure would modify firearm regulations during deer season by adjusting the number of rounds allowed, also through changes to the Wildlife Code.
If approved, SB2924 would mark one of the largest expansions of landowner hunting privileges in Illinois in recent years. The bill has been introduced but has not yet advanced through committee.
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