Hunting and trapping are controlled through strict, scientifically based
regulations. These regulations are enforced by Illinois conservation police
officers.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources is responsible for regulating
hunting and trapping. More than 160 Illinois conservation
police officers patrol the state to enforce these regulations.
Trappers are licensed and
regulated by the Illinois DNR.
Photo by D.J. Case and Associates |
In Illinois, more than 75 state laws and regulations restrict hunting and
trapping. Additional federal laws and regulations apply as well.
Hundreds of different types of wildlife live in Illinois, but only a handful can
be legally hunted and trapped—and these species are plentiful.
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Conservation officers survey
hunters and trappers in the field.
Photo by D.J. Case and Associates |
Since the advent of modern wildlife management, it has been illegal to hunt or trap rare or endangered wildlife, and there
are severe penalties for doing so--including hefty fines and imprisonment.
Professional wildlife
biologists monitor furbearer populations every year to ensure that
their numbers remain strong.
Hunters and trappers support wildlife laws and regulations because they care about the
welfare of wildlife. They understand the benefit of regulated hunting and
trapping in wildlife management.
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Illinois conservation police
officers enforce
more than 75 laws and regulations
about fur hunting and trapping.
Photo by D.J. Case and Associates |
See these additional links related to hunting and trapping regulations:
Digest
of Hunting and Trapping Regulations
Learn more about regulations governing hunting and trapping in Illinois.
Illinois Trapper Education Course
Trapper education courses are mandatory for first-time trappers under
the age of 18. All trappers are encouraged to attend.
A
Guide to Traps and Trapping Techniques
Many people think of traps as devices with teeth on the
jaws. These images are based on obsolete designs. Today, sizes and types of
traps and their uses are regulated, and many sizes and types of traps are no
longer allowed.
Best Management Practices
for Trapping
Illinois DNR joins other state fish and wildlife agencies to develop Best
Management Practices (BMPs) for trapping in the United States. BMPs help
identify techniques and traps that address the welfare of trapped animals and
allow for the efficient, selective, safe and practical capture of furbearers. |
