Hunters Beware of Illegal Advantages
As technological innovation continues to advance, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources cautions hunters to be mindful of rules and best practices surrounding the use of technology in the field. This includes the use of drones for recovering wildlife, artificial intelligence for reviewing hunting laws, and e-bikes to access hunting sites.
The use of unmanned aircraft, or drones, for any aspect of hunting or recovery of wildlife is unlawful in Illinois.
The unlawful use of drones for hunting could result in enforcement action, including but not limited to the seizure and forfeiture of unlawfully used equipment. Hunters are advised to review all requirements of the Illinois Wildlife Code, which regulates the taking of wildlife and the use of unmanned aircraft in these situations (520 ILCS 5/2.33(i) and 520 ILCS 5/1.2o).
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is gaining popularity as a resource for answers about hunting regulations. But a review of AI-generated answers to common hunting questions in Illinois shows this underdeveloped tool frequently provides flawed, conflicting, or incorrect answers.
Officials instead recommended relying on primary sources for hunting information, such as the Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, IDNR’s Hunt Illinois website and the state wildlife code.
As electric bikes, or e-bikes, have become more popular, some hunters have found them to be convenient, affordable vehicles for reaching remote hunting sites. However, these bikes are prohibited on IDNR-owned and operated lands for any reason, including hunting and trapping access, except on public access roads or designated bike trails.
Hunters can visit individual state park websites or contact park site offices for more information about bike trail accessibility.