SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois landowners and farmers could soon have more flexibility to hunt deer on their property thanks to a bill on Gov. JB Pritzker's desk.

Farmers across the state have told Democrats and Republicans that nuisance deer have caused expensive and costly damage to their crops and farmland. 

This plan would allow the state to issue antlerless-only deer removal permits based on the percentage of permits redeemed in the previous season. It could also expand youth hunting tags from one to two.

"It's very important to the farming community around the state, many of them who have suffered a crop damage," said Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago). "Using a survey of Illinois farmers, it's estimated that deer damage causes over $400 million to corn and soybean production alone."

Senate Bill 710 passed unanimously out of the House and Senate this spring. 

The Illinois Farm Bureau said this change will protect precious natural resources and give farmers a way to protect their property. Bureau leaders said they were pleased to see member grassroots activism result in appropriate relief from this growing problem.

"Illinois farmers who are experiencing substantial crop damage and lower yields need a better way to manage deer populations on their farms," said Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). "Let's give these farmers the tools they need to handle nuisance deer during the growing season." 

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