Hunters may be provided with additional tools to help control coyote overpopulation thanks to legislation sponsored by State Sen. Neil Anderson (Andalusia) and approved by the Illinois Senate April 26.
“In recent years, coyote populations have increased and we have seen an uptick in sightings of these animals in more heavily-populated areas. Coyotes create problems for farmers, and for people with pets,” said Anderson. “My legislation will provide hunters with additional tools to help control this growing problem.”
Anderson’s Senate Bill 1466 would allow a crossbow to be used to hunt coyotes at any time it is legal to do so with a bow and arrow. In recent years, concerns have been raised about the increasing coyote population and their migration into more heavily- populated areas.
“In the state of Illinois today, you can use a high-powered rifle to hunt a coyote, but not a crossbow. That’s just silly,” Anderson noted. “This is a common-sense measure to help control this population in a safe and effective way.”
Anderson’s legislation passed in the Illinois Senate with an overwhelming bipartisan majority. Senate Bill 1466 will now head to the Illinois House of Representatives for consideration.