Full Answer
Can you kill wildlife in Illinois without a permit?
Most wildlife is protected by law and cannot be killed or even removed without a permit. The Illinois Department of National Resources is tasked with conservation and management of wild species in Illinois. By Illinois law, a property owner or tenant needs a Nuisance Animal Removal Permit to trap and remove most species of wildlife.
What animals are not allowed to be removed in Illinois?
Exceptions to this rule include the eastern woodrat and rice rat, which are endangered species in Illinois. These two species may not be removed. The eastern chipmunk and the thirteen-lined ground squirrels may be removed without a permit. Franklins ground squirrels are listed as threatened in Illinois and may not be removed.
Is it legal to hunt deer in Illinois?
It is illegal to take live deer from the wild unless you have received a permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) or are a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. In rural areas, deer hunting is permitted in season.
Can I remove a fur-bearing animal in Illinois?
If you want to remove a fur-bearing animal yourself, contact an IDNR District Wildlife Biologist to see if you qualify for a Nuisance Animal Removal Permit. In rural areas, the IDNR encourages removal of most furbearers during open hunting and trapping seasons whenever possible. All Illinois hunting regulations must be followed.
What are the laws that protect birds in Illinois?
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act provides federal legal protection for wild birds with the exception of species not native to North America (pigeon, European starling, and house sparrow) and resident game birds (wild turkey). Protection under this act extends to bird feathers and other body parts as well as to eggs and active nests. Most birds, including resident game birds, are also protected by Illinois laws. You will need to obtain federal and/or state permits in order to legally remove most birds or nests with eggs or young. Endangered or threatened species may not be removed. Nonlethal control, such as repellents and frightening devices, should be tried before a removal permit will be issued.
What is the Illinois bird law?
Protection under this act extends to bird feathers and other body parts as well as to eggs and active nests. Most birds, including resident game birds, are also protected by Illinois laws. You will need to obtain federal and/or state permits in order to legally remove most birds or nest s with eggs or young.
What is a deer removal permit?
Deer Removal Permits are generally issued to landowners for properties that are not incorporated within municipal boundaries to help reduce damage caused by deer, where excessive damage to agricultural crops, nurseries, orchards, and/or vineyards is current and ongoing. Deer Population Control Permits are issued to agencies, organizations, associations, and municipalities but are not issued to individual landowners.
What is a NWCO in Illinois?
In urban or suburban areas, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) recommends hiring a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) to remove wildlife that are damaging property or causing risks to human health or safety.
Why is it important to trap wild animals?
Trapping a wild animal carries the risk of physical injury, and wildlife can be carriers of diseases that are transmittable to people. While hiring a professional may cost more, it is convenient. Nuisance wildlife control operators already have the necessary permits and training to do the job.
Can you remove blackbirds from a property in Illinois?
Blackbirds can only be removed on the site where damage is occurring. Contact an Illinois Department of Natural Resources District Wildlife Biologist for more information. A permit is not needed to remove these birds if they are damaging property, crops, or creating a health hazard.
Can you destroy geese eggs without a permit?
Destroying eggs or nests without a permit is a Federal and State offense. Yes. The Il linois Department of Natural Resources may issue a permit 1 to destroy Canada geese eggs or nests in some situations. Destroying eggs or nests without a permit is a Federal and State offense. No.
