Chambana Sun

State Senator Chapin Rose has co-sponsored legislation to address Illinois' deer overpopulation. A bipartisan group of senators has helped pass the effort aimed at protecting farmers and enhancing driver safety.

"I have a single farmer on the Coles-Edgar County line that lost $45,000 from crop damage alone because of deer," Senator Rose stated. He noted that the broader economic effect of deer overpopulation could significantly impact consumer prices statewide.

Senator Rose emphasized the public safety concerns as well, noting the dangers of vehicular collisions with deer. "Virtually everyone I know has had a near miss with a deer at some point, and many have had an actual impact," he said. He pointed out rising health and car insurance costs due to the issue.

Senate Bill 710 modifies the Illinois Wildlife Code to facilitate deer hunting permits for landowners and tenants. It establishes procedures for issuing additional antlerless-only permits for effective population reduction and provides firearm and archery permits for owners of at least 40 acres of commercial farmland.

"This deer population issue is so out of control — it is beyond time we do this," said Rose, stressing the necessity for economic, citizen, and deer population health.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Farm Bureau participated in negotiations for the measure. Senator Rose is one of the Chief Co-Sponsors.

SB 710 has passed the Senate unanimously and is now in the House of Representatives for further deliberation.