NW Illinois News

Two new laws aimed at controlling the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Illinois’ deer population were signed by the Governor on August 1. State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport), who represents the state’s 45th Senate District after being elected in 2023, served as a Chief Co-Sponsor for both pieces of legislation.

“Chronic wasting disease is a fatal, neurodegenerative disease that affects deer, elk, moose, and other members of the deer family, and confirmed cases have recently been reported in Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Stephenson, Will, and several other counties in Northern Illinois,” said Chesney. “While there is no known transmission of CWD from deer to human, best practice is to eliminate infected animals to prevent the spreading of the disease to healthy deer populations.”

House Bill 2340 requires the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to issue a landowner deer permit to any property owner with at least 20 acres in an area where CWD has been confirmed.

“The idea for this legislation was brought forward by sportsmen who felt hunters should have the ability to help control the spread of CWD in Illinois,” added Chesney. “Previously the ability to eliminate affected deer was only granted to IDNR.”

The second measure, House Bill 2339, also addresses CWD management. It requires IDNR to end its sharpshooting program three years after the last confirmed case within monitored herds but allows for reinstating it if new cases appear.

“Sadly, the prevalence of CWD in the deer population is increasing in the State of Illinois, with more counties reporting confirmed cases each year,” said Chesney. “These two bills represent common sense solutions that will hopefully eventually remove the problem.”

Chesney took office as senator after replacing Brian Stewart and now works on issues impacting wildlife and public health across northern Illinois.