EDGEFIELD, S.C. — NWTF volunteers in Illinois commend the adoption of SB2767, which amends the Illinois Wildlife Code, decreasing the minimal shotgun gauge allowed for turkey searching from 20 gauge to the .410 bore. The brand new change additionally permits the Illinois Division of Pure Sources to limit shot measurement, materials or density by way of the company’s discretion. The brand new legislation doesn’t take impact till January 1, 2025, so 28 gauge and .410 bores will nonetheless be unlawful for turkey looking for the 2024 fall season.
The brand new legislation is now referred to as Public Act 103-0622.
“The Illinois State Chapter has supported this invoice since its inception by way of its fruition,” stated Steve McNeil, Illinois NWTF State Chapter president. “We’re excited for the various alternatives that new and youthful hunters will expertise with the usage of .410-bore and 28-gauge shotguns.”
Luke Garver, ILDNR wild turkey undertaking supervisor and NWTF Technical Committee member famous that, traditionally, .410 shotguns weren’t allowed for turkey searching in Illinois as a result of velocity and payload for ammunition obtainable weren’t deemed substantial sufficient to be deadly; nonetheless, as shot expertise has superior, many states, Illinois included, started to contemplate altering their laws.
ILDNR first examined the concept with hunters by way of a wild turkey hunter satisfaction survey in 2019. At the moment, extra respondents stated they’d be towards altering laws to permit .410 for turkey searching in comparison with hunters who had been in assist. Nonetheless, as Illinois hunters have turn out to be extra conscious of the rising availability of .410 masses centered on turkey searching, ILDNR felt it was time to revisit the concept.
“In Illinois, the regulation setting the bounds on shotguns for turkey searching is held in statute,” Garver stated. “This implies it required a invoice proposal to get it modified. I used to be given the chance to put in writing the language to be thought-about for a invoice, and luckily it was met with bipartisan assist the whole manner. Illinois hunters are trying ahead to the chance so as to add .410 bore and 28-gauge shotguns to their authorized methodology of take for the 2025 spring turkey season and past.
“Our company feels the change will add alternative for younger, disabled and smaller framed hunters. Additionally, due to the number of high-quality ammunition obtainable, we’re assured within the lethality of smaller-bore shotguns being added to the allowed methodology of take. As all the time, it is crucial for turkey hunters to take care of the turkey searching ethic and turn out to be acquainted with their chosen shotgun and ammunition. It’s suggested that hunters sample their shotgun, choke, and shell mixture to make sure an correct level of influence and to find out the utmost efficient vary for the moral harvest of untamed turkeys.”
In regards to the Nationwide Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the Nationwide Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion {dollars} into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 23 million acres of vital wildlife habitat. The NWTF has additionally invested over $9 million into wild turkey analysis to information the administration of the wild turkey inhabitants and to make sure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The group continues to ship its mission by working throughout boundaries on a panorama scale by way of its 4 Shared Values: clear and ample water, wholesome forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and sturdy leisure alternatives. With the assistance of its devoted members, companions and workers, the NWTF continues its work to supply Wholesome Habitats. and Wholesome Harvests. for future generations.
