Discounted Illinois Hunting and Fishing Licenses For Seniors Available

Jim Anderson -- Illinois Radio Network

Hunting and fishing licenses in Illinois can now be purchased for $1 – if you’re age 75 or older.

It’s a new law recognizing the amounts these folks have paid in fees over the years, says Marc Miller, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “They’ve supported wild turkeys being restored, beaver, river otters, bald eagles. All that money that they have given over their lifetime for hunting and fishing licenses has gone into conservation and helped make the state even better,” he said at a bill signing ceremony last week at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge near Marion.

Deer have also benefited from conservation efforts, Miller said: Today’s 75-year-olds were 18 when deer hunting resumed in Illinois.

The law also waives the cost of salmon, inland trout, migratory waterfowl, pheasant and habitat stamps. Already, those 65 and older pay $7.25 for resident fishing and $6 for hunting licenses, which is half the regular price.