Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for SB2457

Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources may issue a special tracking license that allows for the use of certified leashed tracking dogs for the sole purpose of tracking wounded game. Provides that in order to obtain a tracking license, an individual must (i) possess a valid State hunting license and (ii) have wounded or reasonably believe that he or she has wounded a game animal during a game season. Provides that individuals wishing to use a tracking dog during firearm or handgun season must also possess a valid FOID card. Provides that a licensed individual must maintain physical control of the tracking dog or tracking dogs at all times during tracking by means of a lead attached to the dog's collar or harness. Sets forth other license guidelines and prohibitions. Provides that the Department, by administrative rule, shall set forth the cost of obtaining the license, the time periods during which the licenses may be issued, and any additional license requirements.

Deletes everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that the Department of Natural Resources may issue a special tracking license that allows for the use of certified leashed tracking dogs for the sole purpose of tracking wounded game. Provides that the tracking license may be issued to an individual or to an organization engaged in the practice of tracking wounded game. Provides that a licensed individual or organization or member of an organization must maintain physical control of the tracking dog or tracking dogs at all times during tracking by means of a lead attached to the dog's collar or harness. Sets forth other license guidelines and prohibitions. Provides that the Department, by administrative rule, shall set forth the cost of obtaining the license, the time periods during which the licenses may be issued, and any additional license requirements.

Deletes everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Wildlife Code. Provides that although dogs may not be used to take deer directly, a dog may be used to track wounded deer. Provides that any person using a dog for tracking must maintain physical control of the dog at all times by means of a lead or harness. Allows tracking at night, but provides that at no time outside of legal deer hunting hours or seasons shall any person handling or accompanying a dog engaged in tracking be in possession of any firearm or archery device. Provides that dog handlers tracking wounded deer with a dog are exempt from hunting license and deer permit requirements if they are accompanied by the licensed deer hunter who wounded the deer. Effective immediately.

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