Illinois bill drops hunting fee to $1 for seniors

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Sportsmen and women older than 75 would pay just $1 for hunting and fishing licenses under legislation the Illinois Senate has approved.

The measure is sponsored by Rep. Jack Franks -- a Marengo Democrat. It must return to the House for approval on Senate changes.

Franks says seniors have been paying for licenses their entire lives and the state should make it a priority to ensure everyone can enjoy Illinois' natural settings.

The legislation also eliminates the fee to obtain the pheasant, furbearer, habitat and migratory waterfowl stamps and the inland trout and salmon stamps for fishermen.

Franks says he heard from a constituent contending that while license fees are reduced for those over age 62, they still are too expensive for some.