Section 810.14  Wanton Waste – Fish, Reptiles, Amphibians, Mollusks and Crustaceans Abandonment

a)         Except as provided in this Section, it is unlawful for any person at any time to take or possess any fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks and crustaceans authorized by this Part in Illinois waters by sportfishing methods and then intentionally leave or abandon such fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks and crustaceans or portions thereof resulting in wanton or needless waste.

b)         "Wanton or needless waste" means to place, leave, dump or abandon any fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks and crustaceans or fish, reptile, amphibian, mollusk or crustacean parts protected by this Part along or upon any public right-of-way or highway, waterway or stream, or on any public or private property without the permission of the owner or tenant.  No disposal of fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks and crustaceans or fish, reptile, amphibian, mollusk or crustacean portions shall be allowed on State owned or leased properties except at designated fish cleaning stations, where available.

c)         This Section shall not apply to fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks and crustaceans or fish, reptile, amphibian, mollusk or crustacean parts used for the purposes of bait or other lawful purposes or to injurious species of fish that accidentally jump into a watercraft and are immediately returned to the water.

(Source:  Amended at 43 Ill. Reg. 3399, effective February 27, 2019)