Illinois State Senate District 58 issued the following announcement on Aug. 23.
Young and aspiring hunters across Illinois will now have more chances to successfully bring home some venison, as part of an expansion of youth hunting thanks to legislation co-sponsored by State Senator Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo) and signed into law on August 23rd by Governor JB Pritzker.
“This program will help grow the next generation of hunters and give them an opportunity to develop important safety practices early,” said State Senator Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo). “Increasing the number of hunters will help maintain the state deer herd and generate economic activity across Illinois.”
House Bill 3623 would create a pilot program that expands the existing 3-day, youth-only hunting season statewide. The bill also would allow youth to be able to obtain the existing, non-renewable, apprentice hunting permits in multiple years. Apprentice licenses expire after one season, and previous law did not allow for youth hunters to obtain them multiple times.
The legislation was signed into law by Governor Pritzker at a ceremony at the World Shooting and Recreation Complex in Sparta.
“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,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “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.”
Original source can be found here.
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