Illinois Statewide Rule
Illinois Wildlife Code Restrictions on Feeding Wildlife
Key Facts
- Statute
- 520 ILCS 5
- Rules
- 17 Ill Adm Code 635
- Deer feeding
- Prohibited statewide
- Enforcement
- IDNR conservation police
Summary
Illinois Wildlife Code prohibits feeding deer and similar wildlife in many counties to prevent chronic wasting disease spread, with statewide enforcement authority.
It shall be illegal to make available food, salt, mineral blocks or other products for ingestion by wild deer or other wildlife in areas where wild deer are present. Exempted from this Section are the following: a) elevated bird/squirrel feeders providing seed, grain, fruit, worms, or suet for birds or squirrels located within 100 feet of a dwelling devoted to human occupancy; b) incidental feeding of wildlife within active livestock operations; c) feeding of wild animals, other than wild deer, by hand as long as a reasonable attempt is made to clean up unconsumed food;
Full Breakdown
The Illinois Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5) and IDNR administrative rules (17 Ill. Adm. Code 635) prohibit baiting and feeding of wild deer in counties with confirmed chronic wasting disease (CWD) and certain neighboring counties. Feeding wild deer is prohibited statewide except where specifically permitted. Section 2.33 of the Wildlife Code regulates baiting practices for hunting. Bear and wolf feeding falls under nuisance wildlife provisions. Illinois Department of Natural Resources conservation officers enforce these rules. Municipalities cannot authorize practices the state has prohibited.
Violations & Penalties
Petty offense to Class B misdemeanor; fines $75 to $1500; loss of hunting privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put out corn for deer in Illinois?
What about feeding songbirds?
Sources
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