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SB 1409

WATERFOWL SUNSET

104th Regular Session Introduced by Terri Bryant and 2 co-sponsors

Illinois may allow waterfowl hunting up to 30 minutes after sunset on at least one day per week, pending DNR rulemaking and federal compatibility.

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Bill Summary · SB 1409

Summary — SB1409 (Waterfowl Sunset)

Note: the provided document also includes unrelated language from an Arizona weapons bill. This summary covers SB1409 as introduced in the Illinois General Assembly (the “Waterfowl Sunset” bill by Sen. Patrick J. Joyce).

Main purpose

SB1409 amends the Illinois Wildlife Code to expand allowable shooting hours for waterfowl during established hunting seasons. It directs the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to adopt or amend rules to permit limited evening shooting time, subject to federal law.

Key provisions

  • Amends Sections 2.20 and 2.33 of the Illinois Wildlife Code.
  • Requires that, within one year of the Act’s effective date, and to the extent permitted by federal law, the DNR shall adopt or amend rules to effectuate an increased shooting time for waterfowl of 30 minutes after sunset on at least one day per week during waterfowl hunting seasons.
  • Authorizes the DNR, to the extent permitted by federal law, to establish by administrative rule hunting hours that fall between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise for waterfowl.
  • Retains the bill’s qualification that any changes must be consistent with applicable federal regulations governing migratory birds.

Who is affected

  • Hunters of migratory waterfowl in Illinois: potential additional opportunity to shoot up to 30 minutes after sunset on specified days.
  • Illinois Department of Natural Resources: required to undertake rulemaking (within one year) to implement the new hours and any related regulatory adjustments.
  • Wildlife managers, conservation organizations, and law enforcement: will need to monitor and adapt to changes in season structures, enforcement protocols, and safety guidance.
  • Federal agencies (e.g., U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service): federal migratory bird regulations remain controlling; state rule changes must not conflict with federal law.

Timeline and procedure

  • DNR must adopt/amend the necessary administrative rules within one year of the Act’s effective date.
  • The bill includes the “to the extent permitted by federal law” limitation, meaning implementation depends on compatibility with federal migratory bird statutes and regulations.
  • Legislative record indicates passage and gubernatorial signature in 2025 (companion: HB2290).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Provides modestly expanded evening hunting opportunity (explicitly 30 minutes after sunset on at least one day/week), which may increase hunter satisfaction and harvest flexibility.
  • Raises enforcement, public-safety, and wildlife-disturbance considerations for nighttime or low-light hunting; DNR rulemaking will be the vehicle to address safety measures, specific days/times, and coordination with federal rules.
  • Final practical effect depends on DNR rulemaking details and any federal constraints.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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