HB5439 (2026): Landowner and Tenant Hunting Permits

What the Enacted Act Changes

Public Act 104-0703 amends the Wildlife Code's landowner and tenant deer and turkey permit provisions. Its changes take effect January 1, 2027. Official bill status.

• Deer and turkey permits issued without charge to qualifying Illinois resident owners of at least 40 acres and resident tenants of at least 40 acres of commercial agricultural land, for hunting only on their land. Tenants must rent the land under a written notarized agreement with the landowner
• The total number of deer or turkey permits that may be issued to a person under this section is established by administrative rule
• Resident tenants of at least 20 acres in a county with confirmed chronic wasting disease receive free deer permits when hunting only on the land they rent
• A person may receive no more than one either-sex and one antlerless-only deer permit for each of the firearm and archery deer seasons under this section
• Hunters other than family and guest permit holders must carry the permit and proof of their qualifying landowner or tenant status. Family and guest permit holders must carry documentation showing that they are actively hunting on land covered by the permit

Sponsors

The bill was introduced by Rep. Tony McCombie with Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Charles Meier.

Current Status

HB5439 was approved July 31, 2026 as Public Act 104-0703. The official action table lists January 1, 2027 as its effective date, so its changes are not yet effective on October 14, 2026. Read the official action table.

Context

The enrolled act retains separate conditions for ordinary landowner and tenant permits and for deer permits in counties where IDNR has identified chronic wasting disease. It also adds a definition of captive-reared wildlife and amends processed wild game dealer provisions. Read Public Act 104-0703.