A new hunting bill was signed into law that will expand youth deer hunting in the state.
House Bill 3623 will expand the length of time that youth are able to gain access to apprentice hunting permits and widely expands the three-day, youth-only statewide hunting season.
"The bill also would allow youth to be able to obtain the existing, non-renewable, apprentice hunting permits in multiple years," a press release from state Sen. Paul Schimpf states. "Apprentice licenses expire after one season, and previous law did not allow for youth hunters to obtain them multiple times."
The bill, which was co-sponsored by Schimpf (R-Waterloo) was signed by the governor Aug. 23 at the World Shooting and Recreation Complex in Sparta.
“This program will help grow the next generation of hunters and give them an opportunity to develop important safety practices early,” Schimpf (R-Waterloo) said in a press release.
Schimpf also said the increase in numbers of people allowed to hunt will help to maintain the population of deer in Illinois and hopefully strengthen economic activity in the state.
The state of Illinois is widely known for its wilderness and the governor said that the youth of the state should be able to take in all the opportunity that they have to enjoy the outdoors.
“One of the greatest elements of this facility is the opportunity it provides our young people to enjoy outdoor sports and recreation, whether it’s shooting disciplines, fishing or camping,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in a release. “I’m here today is because I want to emphasize that it ought to be easier for our youth to enjoy all the outdoor recreation our state has to offer. The Illinois hunting community asked for these changes, and we listened because I believe that expanding hunting opportunities will have a positive ripple effect on places like Sparta, where people come to hone their skills.”
Schimpf represents District 58, which includes Murphysboro, Sparta and Red Bud.
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