New Laws Expand Deer Hunting Options and CWD Response

SAVANNA — Two laws backed by House Minority Leader Tony McCombie have been signed into law, giving hunters more options and changing the state’s response to Chronic Wasting Disease in deer. House Bill 5439 allows residents to receive free deer permits to hunt in areas where the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has confirmed CWD. Senate Bill 2756 allows qualifying centerfire rifles and handguns holding up to three rounds in the magazine and chamber combined, replacing the previous single shot restriction. Both measures passed the Illinois House this spring and were signed into law this summer. CWD was first detected in Illinois deer in Boone County in 2002 and has continued to affect deer management in the region.