A new Illinois law backed by state Senator Mike Halpin clarifying and simplifying hunting license rules for the public will go into effect beginning Jan. 1.
“Folks who are wanting to get into hunting will have an easier time acquiring apprentice licenses under this new law,” Mr. Halpin said in a Monday, Dec. 22, news release. “This law also cleans up regulations around suspension and revocation for hunting licenses to make the process clearer to the public.”
The measure, sponsored in the Senate by Mr. Halpin, allows for hunting apprentice licenses to be renewed. It also clarifies rules around suspension and revocation of hunting licenses, the release said.
The law also will crack down on repeat offenders. But it lightens punishment for low level or first-time offenders. In addition, it will exclude conservation violations from juvenile expungement.
Other changes include giving law enforcement officers discretion in issuing summonses for violations discovered during snowmobile inspections.
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the purpose of the Apprentice License Program is to extend limited hunting privileges, in lieu of obtaining a valid hunting license, to persons interested in learning about hunting sports.
“Many hunting rules and regulations are complicated and outdated,” Mr. Halpin added. “This reform will support hunters and conservation.”
House bill 3678 goes into effect Thursday, Jan. 1.
