Illinois Compiled Statutes
515 ILCS 5/ - Fish and Aquatic Life Code.
Article 20 - Licenses And Permits - Exemptions

(515 ILCS 5/Art. 20 heading)

 
(515 ILCS 5/20-5) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-5)
Sec. 20-5. Necessity of license; exemptions.
(a) Any person taking or attempting to take any fish,
including minnows for commercial purposes, turtles, mussels, crayfish, or
frogs by any means whatever in any waters or lands wholly or in part
within the jurisdiction of the State, including that part of Lake
Michigan under the jurisdiction of this State, shall first obtain a
license to do so, and shall do so only during the respective
periods of the year when it shall be lawful as provided in this Code.
Individuals under 16, blind residents or residents with a disability, or individuals fishing at
fee fishing areas licensed by the Department, however, may fish with sport
fishing devices without being required to have a license. For the purpose of this
Section
an individual is blind or has a disability if that individual has a Class 2 disability
as defined in Section 4A of the Illinois Identification Card Act. For purposes
of this Section an Illinois Person with a Disability Identification Card issued under
the Illinois Identification Card Act indicating that the individual named on
the card has a Class 2 disability shall be adequate documentation of a
disability.
(b) A courtesy non-resident sport fishing license or stamp may be issued
at
the discretion of the Director, without fee, to (i) any individual officially
employed in the wildlife and fish or conservation department of another
state or of the United States who is within the State to assist or
consult or cooperate with the Director or (ii) the officials of other
states, the United States, foreign countries, or officers or
representatives of conservation organizations or publications while in
the State as guests of the Governor or Director.
(c) The Director may issue special fishing permits without cost to
groups of hospital patients or to individuals with disabilities for
use on specified dates in connection with supervised fishing for therapy.
(d) Veterans who, according to the determination of the Veterans'
Administration as certified by the Department of Veterans' Affairs, are at
least 10% disabled with service-related disabilities or in receipt of total
disability pensions may fish with sport fishing devices
during those periods of
the year it is lawful to do so without being required to have a license,
on the condition that their respective disabilities do not prevent them
from fishing in a manner which is safe to themselves and others.
(e) Each year the Director may designate a period, not to exceed 4 days
in duration, when sport fishermen may fish waters wholly or in
part within the
jurisdiction of the State, including that part of Lake Michigan under the
jurisdiction of the State, and not be required to obtain the license or
stamp required by subsection (a) of this Section, Section 20-10 or
subsection (a) of Section 20-55. The term of any such period shall be
established by administrative rule.
This subsection shall not apply to commercial fishing.
(f) The Director may issue special fishing permits without cost for a
group event, restricted to specific dates and locations if it is determined by
the Department that the event is beneficial in promoting sport fishing in
Illinois.

(Source: P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-10) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-10)
Sec. 20-10.
Salmon stamp.
Any individual taking or attempting to take
salmon in Lake Michigan shall, in addition to any other license required by
this Code, first obtain a salmon stamp authorized by the Department and affix
it to his or her license. Individuals not required to obtain a license are not
required to obtain a salmon stamp.

(Source: P.A. 87-135; 87-833; 87-895; 88-91.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-11)
Sec. 20-11.
Inland trout stamp.
Any individual taking or attempting to
take trout in all waters except Lake Michigan shall, in addition to any other
license required by this Code, first obtain an inland trout stamp authorized by
the Department. Individuals not required to obtain a license are not required
to obtain an inland trout stamp.

(Source: P.A. 88-91.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-15) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-15)
Sec. 20-15. Owners fishing own land; exemption. The owners or bona fide
tenants of lands, actually residing on the lands and their children,
parents, brothers, and sisters actually permanently residing with them have
the right to take with a sport fishing device fish of the
kind permitted to be
taken or caught under this Code from waters lying upon or flowing over the
lands without procuring licenses to do so. This exemption does not apply to
club lakes, organizational lakes, or lake developments. Any individual on
active duty with the armed forces of the United States who is now and was
at the time of entering the Armed Forces a resident of Illinois, who
entered the Armed Forces from this State, and who is presently on ordinary
or emergency leave from the Armed Forces has the right to catch or take with a sport
fishing device fish permitted to be taken or caught by this Code without procuring a
license. Any individual exempt from licensure under this Section has only
the authority and privileges in taking fish as are provided by this Code.
Fishing by an exempt individual may be done only during seasons when
it is lawful.
(Source: P.A. 96-1226, eff. 1-1-11.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-20) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-20)
Sec. 20-20.
Non-resident licenses.
Any individuals 16 years of age or
older not residents of the State of Illinois shall, before taking or
attempting to take any aquatic life protected by this Code by any means
whatever in the State of Illinois, obtain a non-resident license to do so.
In addition, before taking or attempting to take salmon from Lake Michigan,
a non-resident 16 years of age or older shall obtain a salmon stamp authorized
by the Department, and before taking or attempting to take trout from all
waters except Lake Michigan, a non-resident 16 years of age or older shall
obtain an inland trout stamp authorized by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 87-833; 88-91.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-25) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-25)
Sec. 20-25.
Persons controlling artificial lakes.
The owners or tenants
residing on, or members of private clubs that own or control by lease,
lands encompassing artificial lakes of less than 30 acres that belong to
the property and are supplied with waters from springs or surface drainage
of intermittent streams are permitted to catch or take any of the fish
protected by this Code, except largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass,
with any size mesh hoop nets constructed of cotton, linen, or synthetic
cord, or any size mesh seines not to exceed 100 yards in length, wire nets
or baskets or traps, with or without wings, of any size mesh, from these
ponds or lakes without obtaining any license for the devices, and then only
for the purpose of fish management.
Any fish designated by administrative rule concerning commercial
species so taken may be disposed of by sale or barter. Any other fish
so taken may not be sold or bartered.

(Source: P.A. 87-833.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-30) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-30)
Sec. 20-30.
Application; issuance of license.
No license shall be
issued to use sport fishing or trot line devices, or any
other fishing
devices, until application has been made to the Department, to any county,
city, village, township, or incorporated town clerk, or any other person
authorized or designated by the Department to issue licenses. Each clerk
designating agents to issue licenses and salmon stamps shall furnish the
Department, within 10 days following the appointment, the names and mailing
addresses of the agents. Applications shall be executed and sworn to and
shall set forth the name and description of the applicant and place of
residence. No license or salmon stamp shall be issued except upon definite
proof of identity and place of legal residence.
No clerk shall sell any license or salmon stamp at any place
other than within the territorial area for which he or she was elected or
appointed. No duly designated agent is authorized to furnish licenses
or salmon stamps for issuance by any other business
establishment.

(Source: P.A. 89-66, eff. 1-1-96; 90-225, eff. 7-25-97.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-35) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-35)
Sec. 20-35. Offenses.
(a) Except as prescribed in Section 5-25 and unless otherwise provided in
this Code, any person who is found guilty of violating any of the provisions
of this Code, including administrative rules, is guilty of a petty offense.
Any person who violates any of the provisions of Section 15-45 or 15-60, including administrative rules related to those Sections, is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor.
Any person who violates any of the provisions of Section 5-20, 10-5,
10-10, 10-15, 10-20, 10-25, 10-30, 10-35, 10-50, 10-60, 10-70, 10-75, 10-95,
10-115, 10-135, 15-5, 15-10, 15-15, 15-20, 15-30, 15-32, 15-40, 15-46(b), 15-55,
15-60, 15-65, 15-80, 15-85, 15-90, 15-95, 15-100, 15-105, 15-110,
15-115, 15-120, 15-130, 20-70, 20-75, 20-80, 20-85 (except subsections (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g)), 20-125(c), 25-5, 25-10, 25-15, or
25-20 of this Code, including administrative rules relating to those Sections,
is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.
Any person who violates any of the provisions of Section 1-200, 1-205,
10-55, 10-80, 10-100(b), 15-35, 15-46(a), 15-135, 20-91, 20-92, 20-120, or 20-125(d) of this Code, including administrative rules
relating to those Sections, is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
Any person who violates any of the provisions of this Code, including
administrative rules, during the 5 years following the revocation of his or
her license, permit, or privileges under Section 20-105 is guilty of a Class
A misdemeanor.
Any person who violates Section 5-25 of this Code, including administrative
rules, is guilty of a Class 3 felony except as otherwise provided in subsection (a) of Section 5-25.
(b)(1) It is unlawful for any person to take or attempt to take aquatic
life from any aquatic life farm except with the consent of the owner of the
aquatic life farm. Any person possessing fishing tackle on the premises of an
aquatic life farm is presumed to be fishing. The presumption may be rebutted
by clear and convincing evidence. All fishing tackle, apparatus, and vehicles
used in the violation of this subsection (b) shall be confiscated by the
arresting officer. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the
seizure and confiscation procedures set forth in Section 1-215 of this Code
shall apply. If the confiscated property is determined by the circuit court
to have been used in the violation of this subsection (b), the confiscated
property shall be sold at public auction by the county sheriff of the county
where the violation occurred. The proceeds of the sale shall be deposited in
the county general fund; provided that the auction may be stayed by an
appropriate court order.
(2) A violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection (b) is a Class A
misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent
offense.
(c)(1) It is unlawful for any person to trespass or fish on an aquatic life
farm located on a strip mine lake or other body of water used for aquatic life
farming operations, or within a 200 foot buffer zone surrounding cages or
netpens that are clearly delineated by buoys of a posted aquatic life farm, by
swimming, scuba diving, or snorkeling in, around, or under the aquatic life
farm or by operating a watercraft over, around, or in the aquatic life farm
without the consent of the owner of the aquatic life farm.
(2) A violation of paragraph (1) of this subsection (c) is a Class B
misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class A misdemeanor for a second or
subsequent offense. All fishing tackle, apparatus, and watercraft used in a
second or subsequent violation of this subsection (c) shall be confiscated by
the arresting officer. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the
seizure and confiscation procedures set forth in Section 1-215 of this Code
shall apply. If the confiscated property is determined by the circuit court
to have been used in a violation of this subsection (c), the confiscated
property shall be sold at public auction by the county sheriff of the county
where the violation occurred. The proceeds of the sale shall be deposited
in the county general fund; provided that the auction may be stayed by an
appropriate court order.
(d) Offenses committed by minors under the direct control or with the
consent of a parent or guardian may subject the parent or guardian to the
penalties prescribed in this Section or as otherwise provided in this Code.
(e) In addition to any fines imposed under this Section, or as otherwise
provided in this Code, any person found guilty of unlawfully taking or
possessing any aquatic life protected by this Code shall be assessed a
civil penalty for that aquatic life in accordance with the values
prescribed in Section 5-25 of this Code. This civil penalty shall be
imposed at the time of the conviction by the Circuit Court for the county
where the offense was committed. Except as otherwise provided for in
subsections (b) and (c) of this Section, all penalties provided for in this
Section shall be remitted to the Department in accordance with the provisions
of Section 1-180 of this Code.

(Source: P.A. 94-222, eff. 7-14-05; 94-592, eff. 1-1-06; 95-147, eff. 8-14-07; 95-331, eff. 8-21-07.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-40) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-40)
Sec. 20-40.
(Repealed).

(Source: Repealed by P.A. 88-91.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-45) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-45)
(Text of Section from P.A. 102-780)
Sec. 20-45. License fees for residents. Fees for licenses for residents
of the State of Illinois shall be as follows:
Lifetime licenses shall not be refundable. A $10 fee shall be charged
for reissuing any lifetime license. The Department may establish rules and
regulations for the issuance and use of lifetime licenses and may suspend
or revoke any lifetime license issued under this Section for violations of
those rules or regulations or other provisions under this Code or the
Wildlife Code. Individuals under 16 years of age who possess a lifetime
hunting or sportsmen's combination license shall have in their possession,
while in the field, a certificate of competency as required under Section
3.2 of the Wildlife Code. Any lifetime license issued under this Section
shall not exempt individuals from obtaining additional stamps or permits
required under the provisions of this Code or the Wildlife Code.
Individuals required to purchase additional stamps shall sign the stamps
and have them in their possession while fishing or hunting with a lifetime
license. All fees received from the issuance
of lifetime licenses shall be deposited in the Fish and Wildlife Endowment
Fund.
Except for licenses issued under subsection (e) of this Section, all
licenses provided for in this Section shall expire on March 31 of
each year, except that the license provided for in subsection (d) of
this Section shall expire 24 hours after the effective date and time listed
on the face of the license.
All individuals required to have and failing to have the license provided
for in subsection (a) or (d) of this Section shall be fined according to the
provisions of Section 20-35 of this Code.
All individuals required to have and failing to have the licenses
provided for in subsections (b) and (e) of this Section shall be guilty of a
Class B misdemeanor.
(g) For the purposes of this Section, "acceptable verification" means official documentation from the Department of Defense
or the appropriate Major Command showing mobilization dates or service abroad
dates, including: (i) a DD-214, (ii) a letter from the Illinois Department of
Military Affairs for members of the Illinois National Guard, (iii) a letter
from the Regional Reserve Command for members of the Armed Forces Reserve,
(iv) a letter from the Major Command covering Illinois for active duty
members, (v) personnel records for mobilized State employees, and (vi) any
other documentation that the Department, by administrative rule, deems
acceptable to establish dates of mobilization or service abroad.
For the purposes of this Section, the term "service abroad" means active
duty service outside of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, and
includes all active duty service in territories and possessions of the United
States.
(Source: P.A. 102-780, eff. 5-13-22.)
(Text of Section from P.A. 102-837)
Sec. 20-45. License fees for residents. Fees for licenses for residents
of the State of Illinois shall be as follows:
Lifetime licenses shall not be refundable. A $10 fee shall be charged
for reissuing any lifetime license. The Department may establish rules and
regulations for the issuance and use of lifetime licenses and may suspend
or revoke any lifetime license issued under this Section for violations of
those rules or regulations or other provisions under this Code, the
Wildlife Code, or a violation of the United States Code that involves the taking, possessing, killing, harvesting, transportation, selling, exporting, or importing any fish or aquatic life protected by this Code or the taking, possessing, killing, harvesting, transportation, selling, exporting, or importing any fauna protected by the Wildlife Code when any part of the United States Code violation occurred in Illinois. Individuals under 16 years of age who possess a lifetime
hunting or sportsmen's combination license shall have in their possession,
while in the field, a certificate of competency as required under Section
3.2 of the Wildlife Code. Any lifetime license issued under this Section
shall not exempt individuals from obtaining additional stamps or permits
required under the provisions of this Code or the Wildlife Code.
Individuals required to purchase additional stamps shall sign the stamps
and have them in their possession while fishing or hunting with a lifetime
license. All fees received from the issuance
of lifetime licenses shall be deposited in the Fish and Wildlife Endowment
Fund.
Except for licenses issued under subsection (e) of this Section, all
licenses provided for in this Section shall expire on March 31 of
each year, except that the license provided for in subsection (d) of
this Section shall expire 24 hours after the effective date and time listed
on the face of the license.
All individuals required to have and failing to have the license provided
for in subsection (a) or (d) of this Section shall be fined according to the
provisions of Section 20-35 of this Code.
All individuals required to have and failing to have the licenses
provided for in subsections (b) and (e) of this Section shall be guilty of a
Class B misdemeanor.

(Source: P.A. 102-837, eff. 5-13-22.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-47)
Sec. 20-47. Military members returning from mobilization and service outside the United States.
(a) After returning from service abroad or mobilization by the President of the United States as an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces, the Illinois National Guard, or the Reserves of the United States Armed Forces, an Illinois resident may fish as permitted by this Code without paying any fees required to obtain a fishing license for the time period prescribed by subsection (b) of this Section if the Illinois resident applies for a license within 2 years after returning from service abroad or mobilization. The applicant shall provide acceptable verification of service or mobilization to the Department. The Department shall establish by
administrative rule the procedure by which such verification of service
shall be made to the Department for the purpose of issuing fishing licenses
to resident active duty members of the United States Armed Forces, the
Illinois National Guard, or the Reserves of the United States Armed Forces.
(b) For each year that an applicant is an active duty member pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section, the applicant shall receive one free fishing license. For the purposes of this determination, if the period of active duty is a portion of a year (for example, one year and 3 months), the applicant will be credited with a full year for the portion of a year served.
(c) (Blank).
(d) For the purposes of this Section, "acceptable verification of service or mobilization" means official documentation from the Department of Defense or the appropriate Major Command showing mobilization dates or service abroad dates, including: (i) a DD-214, (ii) a letter from the Illinois Department of Military Affairs for members of the Illinois National Guard, (iii) a letter from the Regional Reserve Command for members of the Armed Forces Reserve, (iv) a letter from the Major Command covering Illinois for active duty members, (v) personnel records for mobilized State employees, and (vi) any other documentation that the Department, by administrative rule, deems acceptable to establish dates of mobilization or service abroad.
(e) For the purposes of this Section, the term "service abroad" means active duty service outside of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, and includes all active duty service in territories and possessions of the United States.
(Source: P.A. 102-780, eff. 5-13-22.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-50) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-50)
Sec. 20-50. Salmon stamp fee. The fee for a salmon stamp shall be $6 for
both resident and non-resident licensees. The fee for a salmon stamp shall be waived for residents over 75 years of age. Every person shall sign the salmon
stamp or affix the salmon stamp to his or her license. These stamps shall
expire on March 31 of each year. All individuals required to have and failing
to have a salmon stamp as provided in Section 20-10 of this Code shall be
guilty of a petty offense.

(Source: P.A. 98-800, eff. 8-1-14.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-51)
Sec. 20-51. Inland trout stamp. The fee for an inland trout stamp shall
be $6 for both resident and nonresident licensees. The fee for an inland trout stamp shall be waived for residents over 75 years of age. These stamps shall expire
on March 31 of each year. All individuals required to have and who fail to
have an inland trout stamp, as provided in Section 20-11 of this Code, shall be
guilty of a petty offense.

(Source: P.A. 98-800, eff. 8-1-14.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-55) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-55)
Sec. 20-55. License fees for non-residents. Fees for licenses for
non-residents of the State of Illinois are as follows:
(a) For sport fishing devices as defined by Section
10-95, or spearing
devices as defined in Section 10-110, non-residents age 16 or older shall be
charged $31 for a fishing license to fish. For sport fishing devices as defined
by Section 10-95, or spearing devices as defined in Section 10-110, for a
period not to exceed 3 consecutive days fishing in the State of Illinois the
fee is $15.00.
For sport fishing devices as defined in Section 10-95,
or spearing
devices as defined in Section 10-110, for 24 hours of fishing the fee is $10. This license does not exempt the licensee from
the salmon or inland trout stamp requirement.
(b) All non-residents before using any commercial fishing device
shall obtain a non-resident commercial fishing license, the fee for
which shall be $300, and a non-resident fishing license. Each and every commercial device shall be
licensed by a non-resident commercial fisherman as follows:
All persons required to have and failing to have the license provided
for in subsection (a) of this Section shall be fined under Section 20-35
of this Code. Each person required to have and failing to have the
licenses required under subsection (b) of this Section shall be guilty of a
Class B misdemeanor.
All licenses provided for in this Section shall expire on March 31 of
each year; except that the 24-hour license for sport fishing devices or
spearing devices shall
expire 24 hours after the effective date and time listed on the face of the
license and licenses for sport fishing devices
or spearing
devices for a period not to exceed 3 consecutive days fishing in the
State of Illinois as provided in subsection (a) of this Section shall
expire at midnight on the tenth day after issued, not counting the day
issued.

(Source: P.A. 99-78, eff. 7-20-15.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-60) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-60)
Sec. 20-60.
Reciprocal fishing agreements.
The Department of Natural
Resources may in its discretion enter into reciprocal
fishing agreements
with the States of Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Indiana to
permit persons licensed or legally exempt from licenses by those states to
fish in any of the waters forming a boundary between those states and the
State of Illinois and lying within the territorial jurisdiction of this
State in the same manner and to the same extent that persons holding or
legally exempt from Illinois licenses may do if the laws of Missouri, Iowa,
Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Indiana, respectively, extend a similar privilege
to persons licensed or legally exempt under the laws of this State. Such an
agreement shall be made subject, however, to the duties, responsibilities,
and liabilities imposed on its own licensees by the terms of this Code and
the laws of this State and shall be further subject to revocation at any
time whenever revocation shall be deemed necessary in the discretion of the
Department of Natural Resources of this State.

(Source: P.A. 89-445, eff. 2-7-96.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-65) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-65)
Sec. 20-65.
Tags for devices.
Each licensee of any of the devices or
boats named in this Code, other than a sport fishing device, shall receive from
the person issuing the license a tag, furnished by the Department. The tag
shall be attached to the device licensed in the following manner:
The Department may furnish sport fishing licensees with
an insignia as
evidence of possession of licenses as the Department may consider
advisable. The insignia shall be exhibited and used as the Department
may establish by rule.

(Source: P.A. 89-66, eff. 1-1-96.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-70) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-70)
Sec. 20-70. Non-resident and resident aquatic life

dealers.
(a) Non-resident aquatic life dealers. Any person not a resident
of Illinois who sells or ships to other wholesalers, retailers, or
consumers any of the aquatic life protected by this Code, whether from
waters within or without the State is a non-resident aquatic life dealer within
the meaning of this Code.
All licenses issued to non-resident aquatic life

dealers are valid only in
the location described and designated in the application for the
license. Wholesalers may deliver their products by truck or common
carrier of any type but must possess a separate license for each truck
from which aquatic life are being sold if business is solicited
from the
trucks.
Application for a non-resident aquatic life dealer's license shall be made to
and upon forms furnished by the Department and shall be in the form as the
Department may prescribe. The annual fee for a non-resident aquatic life

dealer's
license shall be $100. All non-resident aquatic life dealer licenses shall expire
on March 31 of each year.
Non-residents purchasing aquatic life in Illinois for sale solely outside
the State are exempt from possessing an aquatic life dealer's license if
purchases are made from a licensed resident wholesale or retail aquatic life

dealer.
(b) Resident aquatic life dealer's licenses. Any person conducting a fish market
or buying, selling, or shipping any aquatic life (except minnows) protected
by this Code, whether from waters within or without the State, shall first
procure a license from the Department to do so, including any commercial
fisherman selling live fish for stocking only. Any commercial fisherman selling fish
legally caught or taken by themselves to a resident licensed wholesale aquatic life

dealer, however, is exempt from the provisions of this Section.
(c) The Department may adopt administrative rules pertaining to non-resident and resident aquatic life dealers. Any person who violates any provision of this Section 20-70, or related administrative rule, is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.

(Source: P.A. 100-256, eff. 1-1-18.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-75) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-75)
Sec. 20-75. Mussel dealer permits; fees; violations. Any person, before
receiving, buying, or offering to do so, or acting as an agent or broker in
receipt or purchase of mussels, within the State of Illinois, shall first
obtain a permit from the Department to do so.
The fee for a permit for residents of the State of Illinois shall be $300
a year, and for non-residents of the State of Illinois the fee shall be
$2,500 a year. These permits shall expire on March 31 of
each year. A report of each year's activities of each person holding a
permit shall be required as directed by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 100-256, eff. 1-1-18.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-80) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-80)
Sec. 20-80. Minnow dealers license; penalties. Any resident who, within
the State of Illinois, sells or offers for sale, to any other wholesaler or
retailer or for consumption, live minnows, whether from waters within or
without the State is an intrastate wholesale minnow dealer for purposes of
this Code. Any person selling live minnows for stocking only or selling
live minnows legally caught or taken by that person to a licensed wholesale
minnow dealer, however, is exempt from the provisions of this Section.
(a) Before any resident commences activities as an intrastate wholesale
minnow dealer, he or she shall first procure a license from the Department
to do so. The fee for the license shall be $25 and these licenses shall expire on March 31
of each year.
Before any resident commences activities as an intrastate retail minnow
dealer, he or she shall first obtain a license from the Department to
do so. The fee for the license shall be $5 and these licenses shall expire on March 31
of each year.
(b) Only persons who are actual residents of the State of Illinois
shall be permitted to transport live minnows obtained in the State of
Illinois across any of the borders of the State of Illinois. These persons
shall be interstate minnow dealers for purposes of this Code. Before
any resident of the State of Illinois shall commence activities as an
interstate minnow dealer, he or she shall first obtain a license from the
Department to do so. The fee for the license shall be $500 and these
licenses shall expire on March 31 of each year. This Section
shall not apply to a resident of the State of Illinois possessing a valid
sport fishing license. An individual possessing a valid
sport fishing
license shall be permitted to transport not more than 6 dozen live minnows
obtained in Illinois across the borders of the State of Illinois.
(c) The Department is authorized to establish regulations as may be
deemed necessary in the handling of minnows in order to protect the
resource as well as the public's interest.

(Source: P.A. 100-256, eff. 1-1-18.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-82)
Sec. 20-82. (Repealed).
(Source: P.A. 96-452, eff. 8-14-09. Repealed internally, eff. 1-1-11.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-85) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-85)
Sec. 20-85. Taxidermist license.
(a) Before engaging in the business of taxidermy, every person shall
obtain a license for that purpose from the Department. Application for a
license shall be filed with the Department and shall set forth the name of
the applicant; its principal officers, if the applicant is a corporation,
or the partners, if the applicant is a partnership; the location of the
place of business; and any additional information the Department may
require. The annual fee for each taxidermist license shall be $25. All
licenses issued to taxidermists are valid only at the location described
and designated on the application for the license. All taxidermist licenses
shall expire on March 31 of each year. Individuals employed
by a
licensed taxidermist shall not be required to possess a taxidermist license
while working for and at the place of business of the license holder.
Licensed taxidermists shall submit to the Department a list naming all
individuals who will be working at the place of business specified on the
permit. Only those individuals whose names are on file with the Department
shall be authorized to work under the scope of the taxidermist's license.
(b) Taxidermists shall keep written records of all aquatic life or parts of
aquatic life received or returned by them. Records shall include the following
information:
(c) All aquatic life or parts of aquatic life that have been
received, preserved, mounted, or possessed by a taxidermist are required to
bear a coded origin tag or label. The coded origin tag or label shall
correspond with written records containing more complete information as
required by the Department.
(d) Taxidermy records shall be open for inspection by any peace officer
at any reasonable hour. Taxidermists shall maintain records for a period
of 2 years from the date of receipt of the aquatic life or for as long as
the specimen or mount remains in the taxidermist's possession, whichever is
longer.
The Department may require the taxidermist to submit to it any information
it deems necessary.
(e) No taxidermist shall have in his or her possession any aquatic
life that is not listed in his or her written records and properly
tagged or labeled.
(f) All persons licensed as taxidermists under this Code who shall ship any
aquatic life or parts of aquatic life that have been received, preserved, or
mounted shall tag or label the shipment and the tag or label shall state the
name of the taxidermist and the number and date of his or her license.
(g) Nothing in this Section removes taxidermists from responsibility for
the observance of any federal laws, rules, or regulations that may apply to the
taxidermy business.

(Source: P.A. 100-256, eff. 1-1-18.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-90) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-90)
Sec. 20-90. Aquaculture permits. Any person who shall engage in the
breeding, hatching, propagation, or raising of aquatic life, whether
indigenous or non-indigenous to this State, shall first procure a permit
from the Department to do so. Aquatic life specified, which is bred,
hatched, propagated or raised by a person holding a permit as provided for
in this Section, may be transported and sold for food or stocking purposes.
Permittees who sell aquatic life propagated or raised under this permit are
exempt from possessing a fish or minnow dealers license.
Aquaculture permit holders shall maintain records of all aquatic life
bought, sold or shipped. These records shall include the name and address
of the buyer and seller, the appropriate license or permit number of the
buyer and seller, the date of the transaction, and the species, poundage,
and origin of aquatic life involved. The records shall be kept for a
minimum of 2 years from the date of the transaction and shall be made
immediately available to authorized employees of the Department upon
request. Records of the annual operations, as may be required by the
Department, shall be forwarded to the Department upon request.
Nothing in this Section shall be construed to give permittees
authority to take aquatic life in their wild or natural state, contrary
to other provisions of this Code, or to remove the
permittee from responsibility for the observance of any federal, State, or
local laws, rules, or regulations that may apply to the aquatic life.
Aquaculture permit holders may harvest aquatic life on licensed
aquaculture facilities with commercial fishing devices without obtaining
any license for these devices.
Before any person imports or receives live, non-indigenous aquatic life
for aquaculture or stocking purposes in this State, permission must be
obtained from the Department. Regulations governing non-indigenous aquatic
life shall be covered by administrative rule.
The annual fee for a permit under this Section shall be $50
and the permit shall expire on March 31 of each year.
Any person who violates any provisions of this Section, including
administrative rules relating to this Section, shall be guilty of a
business offense and fined not less than $1,000 and no more than $5,000.
Permitted aquaculture facilities are exempt from size, catch, and
possession limits and seasons on aquatic life when harvested, sold, or
transported, except when taken by sport fishing devices.
All permits issued under this Section are valid only in the location
described and designated in the application for such permit.

(Source: P.A. 100-256, eff. 1-1-18.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-91)
Sec. 20-91. Commercial roe harvest permit.
(a) Any commercial fisherman who engages in taking roe-bearing species with commercial fishing devices from legally open waters of the State must annually procure a commercial roe harvest permit from the Department. All individuals assisting a licensed commercial roe harvester in taking roe bearing fishes must also have a commercial roe harvest permit unless these individuals are under the direct supervision of and aboard the same watercraft as the licensed commercial roe harvester. The annual fee for a commercial roe harvest permit is $250 for State residents and $3,500 for non-residents. All commercial roe harvest permits shall expire on May 31 of each year.
(b) It is unlawful for a commercial roe harvest permittee to possess roe more than 5 days after the conclusion of the harvest season without a commercial roe dealer permit.
(c) Violation of this Section is a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum mandatory fine of $500.


(Source: P.A. 95-147, eff. 8-14-07.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-92)
Sec. 20-92. Commercial roe dealer permit.
(a) Any resident wholesale aquatic life dealer who buys, sells, or ships roe from roe-bearing species, whether from the waters within or without the State, must annually procure a commercial roe dealer permit from the Department in addition to an aquatic life dealers license. The annual fee for a commercial roe dealer permit is $500 for resident wholesale aquatic life dealers and $1,500 for non-resident aquatic life dealers. All commercial roe dealer permits shall expire on March 31 of each year.
(b) Legally licensed commercial roe dealer permit holders may designate up to 2 employees on their commercial roe dealer permit. Employees designated on a commercial roe dealer permit must retain a copy of this permit in their possession while transporting roe bearing fishes either whole or in part.
(c) A violation of this Section is a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum mandatory fine of $500.


(Source: P.A. 100-256, eff. 1-1-18.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-95) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-95)
Sec. 20-95. Daily fee fishing area. Any person owning, controlling, or
operating a water area, including access to this water area, that is used
for fishing by those either directly or indirectly paying a daily fee for
fishing
shall make application to the Department for a license as provided in this
Section. Upon receipt of an application, the Department shall inspect the
proposed licensed area described in the application, the size and number of
water areas, source of fish for stocking, species of fish to be stocked and
determine the ability of the applicant to properly supervise a property of
this character. If the Department finds that (i) the area is suitable for
the purpose intended, (ii) the operation of the property is not a menace or
being established contrary to the laws of this State, (iii) the operations
of the fee fishing area will not work a fraud upon individuals utilizing
the facilities, and (iv) the issuing of the license will be in the public
interest, then the Department shall approve the application and issue a
license to operate a "Daily Fee Fishing Area" as described in the
application.
The fee for a license issued under this Section shall be $50 annually,
and the license shall expire on March 31 following its issuance.
Records of the season's operations, as may be required by the
Department, shall be forwarded to the Department by the licensee within
30 days after the expiration date of the license.
The Department may refuse to issue, refuse to renew, suspend, or revoke
any license issued under this Section if the Department finds that the
licensed area or its operator is not in compliance with this Section. The
Department, however, shall not refuse to issue or renew, or suspend or
revoke, any license for any cause other than the protection of public
health and safety or if the area is operated unlawfully, unless the
licensee affected is given at least 15 days notice, in writing, of the
reasons for the action of the Department and given an opportunity to appear
before the Department or its representative in opposition to the action of
the Department.

(Source: P.A. 100-256, eff. 1-1-18.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-100) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-100)
Sec. 20-100.
Scientific collector's permit.
Permits may be granted by
the Department to properly accredited individuals of the age of 18 years
and older permitting the collection for strictly scientific purposes of any
aquatic life
protected under this Code, and their nests, eggs, and spawn.
The application for a permit for scientific purposes shall be subject to
the approval of the Department.
The holder of each scientific collector's permit shall make reports to
the Department as required.

(Source: P.A. 89-66, eff. 1-1-96.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-105) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-105)
Sec. 20-105. Revocation and suspension; refusal to issue.
(a) Whenever a license or permit is issued to any person under this Code
and its holder is found guilty of any misrepresentation in obtaining the
license or permit or of a violation of Section 48-3 of the Criminal Code of 2012 or a violation of any of the provisions of this Code,
including administrative rules, or a violation of the United States Code that involves the taking, possessing, killing, harvesting, transportation, selling, exporting, or importing any aquatic life protected by this Code when any part of the United States Code violation occurred in Illinois, the license or permit may be revoked by the
Department and the Department may refuse to issue any permit or license to
that person and may suspend the person from engaging in the activity
requiring the permit or license for a period of time not to exceed 5 years
following the revocation. Department revocation procedure shall be
established by administrative rule.
(b) Whenever any person who has not been issued a license or a permit
under the provisions of this Code is found guilty of a violation of Section 48-3 of the Criminal Code of 2012 or a violation of the
provisions of this Code, including administrative rules, or a violation of the United States Code that involves the taking, possessing, killing, harvesting, transportation, selling, exporting, or importing any aquatic life protected by this Code when any part of the United States Code violation occurred in Illinois, the Department may
refuse to issue any permit or license to that person, and suspend that
person from engaging in the activity requiring the permit or license for a
period of time not to exceed 5 years.
(c) Any person who knowingly or intentionally violates any
of the provisions of this Code, including administrative rules, during the
5 years following the revocation of his or her license or permit under
subsection (a) or during the time he is suspended under subsection
(b), shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor as provided in Section 20-35. The penalties for a violation of Section 48-3 of the Criminal Code of 2012 shall be as provided in that Section.
(d) A person whose license or permit to engage in any activity regulated
by this
Code has been suspended or revoked may not, during the period of the suspension
or
revocation or until obtaining such a license or permit, (i) be in the company
of any person
engaging in the activity covered by the suspension or revocation or (ii) serve
as a guide,
outfitter, or facilitator for a person who is engaged or prepared to engage in
the activity
covered by the suspension or revocation.
(e) No person may be issued or obtain a license or permit or engage in any
activity regulated by this Code during the time that the person's privilege to
engage in the
same or similar activities is suspended or revoked by another state, by a
federal agency,
or by a province of Canada.

(Source: P.A. 102-837, eff. 5-13-22.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-110) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-110)
Sec. 20-110.
Possession of license, permit, or stamp.
Every person
holding any license, salmon stamp, inland trout stamp, or permit issued
under this Code shall have it in his or her possession for immediate
presentation for inspection to the authorized employees of the Department, or
to any sheriff, deputy sheriff, or any other peace officer, making a demand for
it within his or her jurisdiction.

(Source: P.A. 87-833; 88-91.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-115) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-115)
Sec. 20-115.
Form of licenses, stamps, and permits.
Licenses, salmon
stamps, inland trout stamps, and permits authorized to be issued under this
Code shall be prepared by the Department and shall be in the form prescribed by
the Department. In addition, at the time of issuance, the information required
on each license shall be completed on it by the issuing agent or his or her
sub-agent and each license shall be signed by the licensee, or initialed by
the designated purchaser and then signed immediately upon receipt by the
licensee, and counter-signed
by the issuing agent or his or her sub-agent. All licenses
shall be supplied by the Department, subject to any rules and regulations
as the Department may prescribe. Any license not properly prepared,
obtained, and signed as required by this Code shall be void.

(Source: P.A. 90-225, eff. 7-25-97.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-120) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-120)
Sec. 20-120.
Designation of agents; liability; bond.
The Department of
Natural Resources has the authority to designate agents to
sell licenses, stamps, and permits on behalf of the Department. Any person
receiving licenses from the Department for sale as provided in this Section (i)
shall execute and deliver receipts for the licenses; (ii) shall, on dates
specified by the Department, report in writing to the Department the number and
kinds of licenses sold; and (iii) shall, with the report, make remittance to
the Department covering the amounts due it from the sales. Failure on the part
of any clerk or agent to fully comply with the provisions of this Code,
including administrative rules, shall be justification for the Department to
cancel or withdraw the issuance of licenses through that clerk or agent. A
salmon stamp shall be deemed a license for the purposes of this Section.
(a) Any person appointed or designated by the Department including any
county, city, village, township, or incorporated town clerk issuing licenses
provided for in this Code may add the fees provided in paragraph (b) as the
fee for issuing the licenses. These clerks, however, shall remit to the
treasurer of the political subdivision of which he or she is an officer or
employee, the added fees or any portion of the added fees he or she
collects provided in paragraph (b). Issuing fees may be divided between the
clerks and their appointed subagents other than employees of the clerk's
office, but in no case may any clerk or subagent charge an issuing fee or
fees totaling more than the issuing fee set out in this Section.
(b) Any person authorized to issue licenses under subsection (a) may add
to the license fee a fee of $.75 in the case of Sportsmen's Combination
Licenses or nonresident hunting licenses, and $.50 in the case of all other
licenses, permits, and stamps.
(c) No person or subagent of any county, city, village, township, or
incorporated town clerk may charge a service fee for issuing licenses
provided for in this Code, and the charging of fees for issuing licenses in
excess of the fees authorized is a petty offense.
Any person authorized to issue licenses by telephone and electronic
transmission or incurring costs for customer convenience may charge in addition
to the "issuing fee" authorized by this Section a fee not to exceed an amount
set by the Department, by administrative rule, to cover the transaction cost.
(d) All fees, less issuing fees, collected from the sale of licenses and
permits and not
remitted to the Department as provided in this Section shall be deemed
to have been embezzled and the person or officer responsible for the
remittance is subject to prosecution. No person handling or selling
licenses is required to remit for any license now or hereafter stolen,
by means of forcible entry, or destroyed by a fire in the premises where
the licenses are kept, if he or she submits an affidavit to the Department
describing the circumstances of the theft or cause of the destruction
and listing in the affidavit the type and numbers of the licenses so stolen
or destroyed.
(e) Within 30 days after the expiration of the time in which any
class of license is usable, payment for licenses sold shall be made in
full to the Department and persons possessing unused
license forms shall return them to the Department prepaid.
(f) No person is permitted to make deductions from remittances sent
to the Department for postage or for the cost of, or fees for, drafts
or money orders.
(g) Any county, city, village, township, or incorporated town clerk
handling or selling licenses as provided in this Section is liable to
the State personally. All other persons designated or appointed by the
Department to handle or sell licenses as provided in this Section shall,
before receiving any licenses for sale, file with the Department a bond
in an amount specified by the Department on a form to be approved by and
with a surety or sureties satisfactory to the Department conditioned
upon the person or persons paying to the State of Illinois all monies
becoming due by reason of the sale of the licenses.
(h) No person shall falsify, alter, or change in any manner, or loan
or transfer to another, any license, permit, or tag issued under this
Section or falsify any records required by this Code or counterfeit or
duplicate any form of license, permit, or tag provided for by this Code.
Any person who violates this subsection shall be subject to the penalty
provisions of Section 20-35 of this Code.

(Source: P.A. 89-445, eff. 2-7-96; 90-225, eff. 7-25-97; 90-743, eff.
1-1-99.)
 
(515 ILCS 5/20-125) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-125)
Sec. 20-125. Records; reports; receipts.
(a) Any person engaged in the buying, selling, or shipping of aquatic life in the State, under Sections 20-70, 20-75, 20-80, 20-91, and 20-92 of this Act, shall maintain the following minimum records:
Reports must be submitted to the Department on forms furnished for that purpose by the Department and at intervals prescribed by the Department by administrative rule. Failure to submit reports as required is grounds for license suspension or revocation.
(b) All aquatic life dealers, including but not
limited to minnow dealers, fish dealers, commercial roe dealers, mussel dealers, and breeders,
shall, upon purchasing or receiving any aquatic life protected by this
Code, issue a numbered receipt to the commercial fisherman, musselor,
dealer, breeder, or other person from whom the aquatic life was purchased,
setting forth the number of pounds and kinds of aquatic life, the date of
purchase, the price paid per pound for each species, the name and address
of the commercial fisherman, musselor, dealer, breeder, or other person
from whom the aquatic life was purchased, and the appropriate license
number of the commercial fisherman, musselor, dealer, breeder, or other
person from whom the aquatic life was purchased if applicable, and the
origin of the aquatic life.
The original receipt shall be retained by the aquatic life dealer for a
minimum of 2 years from the date of purchase listed on the receipt. A
duplicate receipt shall be given to the commercial fisherman, musselor, dealer,
breeder, or other person from whom the aquatic life was purchased at the
time of purchase.
(c) All receipts, reports, and records required by the Department in subsections (a) and (b) shall
be available for inspection by any authorized employee of the Department or
any other peace officer upon request. Failure to comply with the
provisions of this subsection (c) shall bar the licensee from obtaining a permit
or license for aquatic life purchasing for the following year. Any person
who violates any of the provisions of this subsection (c) shall be guilty of a
Class B misdemeanor.
(d) It is unlawful to falsify any information or record or to provide fraudulent information or records to the Department. Violation of this subsection (d) is a Class A misdemeanor.

(Source: P.A. 95-147, eff. 8-14-07.)

Structure Illinois Compiled Statutes