By Kate Reynolds
This year, hunters can get their equipment ready when Illinois’ archery deer and turkey season kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 1. But, the Illinois Conservation Police (ICP) has a drone regulation they want hunters to remember.
The ICP has issued a hunting reminder: it is illegal to use drones during hunting or wildlife recovery. The Illinois Wildlife Code states that anyone found violating this law can face enforcement action, including but not limited to the seizure and forfeiture of unlawfully used equipment.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the ICP have already received public inquiries about whether they can use drones to scout and track animals.
“Not only is drone use for hunting unlawful in Illinois, it goes against the spirit of fair chase and widely accepted hunting ethics,” said Jed Whitchurch, director of the IDNR Office of Law Enforcement. “Illinois Conservation Police officers will be monitoring for drone use during the fall and winter hunting seasons. We encourage all hunters to familiarize themselves with the Wildlife Code, abide by the law, and have a safe and successful hunting season.”
Illinois issued 289,922 paid hunting licenses in 2021. Making a population adjustment, 2.3 for every 100 people received them, ranking Illinois as the 10th fewest among all states.
The Illinois Wildlife Code informs hunters of all state requirements, including using unpiloted aircraft for tracking and recovering wildlife.