Scherer Pushes for Passage of Bill to Expand Rights of Sportsmen

DECATUR, Ill. – Supporting Illinois’ hunting traditions, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is working to expand the Second Amendment rights of archery hunters by allowing the full-inclusion of crossbows during archery season.

“Restrictions on crossbow use are burdensome to hunters who may prefer to use something other than a firearm,” Scherer said. “Expanding crossbow hunting opportunities will allow more people to enjoy hunting, as well as offer current sportsmen another facet of archery hunting.”

House Bill 1771 allows sportsmen of all ages to use a crossbow while hunting animals during the appropriate archery season. Under current law, a person may only use a crossbow if the user is age 62 or older or a handicapped person to whom the Department of Natural Resources has issued a permit. Additionally, current law prohibits legally permitted archery hunters from using a crossbow prior to the second Monday following Thanksgiving.

“This bill protects sportsmen’s Second Amendment rights and expands opportunities for them to exercise their rights,” said Scherer. “It’s important that we preserve our state’s hunting traditions and have legal protections for law-abiding hunters to practice their Second Amendment rights.”

For more information, please contact Scherer’s constituent service office at 217-877-9636 or by email at StateRepSue@gmail.com. Scherer represents the 96th District, which includes portions of Christian, Macon and Sangamon counties.