Wildlife Laws

Illinois Wildlife Code

The Illinois Wildlife Code is a set of statutes (520 ILCS 5/) that contains the framework for managing wildlife in Illinois.

These sections address management of deer in Illinois:

• 520 ILCS 5/1.10 Conservation of birds and mammals
• 520 ILCS 5/2.2 Protected birds and mammals
• 520 ILCS 5/2.24 General deer
• 520 ILCS 5/2.25 Deer hunting seasons, equipment, and bag/possession limits
• 520 ILCS 5/2.25 Application and issuance of deer hunting permits
• 520 ILCS 5/2.33 Prohibitions
• 520 ILCS 5/2.37 Authority to manage deer responsible for property damage

Illinois Administrative Rules

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources administers and enforces the state regulations regarding wildlife found in the Fish and Wildlife section of the Illinois Administrative Rules.

Under Conservation, the “Fish and Wildlife” section details rules on deer hunting.

Or click on one of these sites:

17-650 White-tailed deer hunting by use of firearms

17-660 White-tailed deer hunting by use of muzzleloading rifles

17-670 White-tailed deer hunting by use of bow and arrow

17-675 Special white-tailed deer season for disease control

17-680 Late-winter deer hunting season

Proposed Rules

Proposed rules are those that have not been adopted yet.

How a Bill Becomes a Law

Before regulations for deer management are set, the Illinois Compiled Statutes must be followed or amended to legally authorize the changes.