Section 640.20  Minimum Standards

a)         An outfitter shall:

1)         have a current valid Illinois outfitter permit;

2)         be at least 21 years of age; if the outfitter permit is held by a business entity, then a responsible individual who is an officer in the business entity must be designated on the application as the contact person;

3)         not have had his or her hunting privileges under the Wildlife Code suspended, or any of his or her hunting licenses revoked, within any period during the last 5 years.  If the outfitter is a business entity, no officer, employee or contact person shall have had hunting privileges or licenses suspended or revoked within any period during the past 5 years;

4)         provide to each client, prior to commencement of outfitting services, in writing, the following:  the type of service provided, the dates of service, the cost of services, and a copy of the outfitter's refund policy;

5)         be responsible for ensuring each client has the necessary permits, stamps, Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration and licenses prior to any hunting;

6)         indicate clearly to each client the boundaries of the property on which the client is to hunt and instruct each client as to how to conduct the hunt (i.e., special rules, restricted areas, etc.);

7)         make no guarantees, either oral or written, as to the success of the hunt;

8)         not misrepresent his or her facilities, prices, equipment, services or hunting opportunities;

9)         not take or attempt to take any wildlife on behalf of the client;

10)         for Class A Permit: maintain a current log of all individuals who hunt on the property controlled under the outfitter permit, including the following:  name, dates they hunted, Department customer identification number, permit number and harvest information (including the species, harvest confirmation numbers and sex of the harvested animal).  This log must be submitted to the Department within 30 days after the close of the seasons in which the Class A outfitter is operating.  A copy must also be maintained by the outfitter for 5 years;

11)         for Class B Permits:  maintain a current log of all individuals who hunt on the property controlled under the outfitter permit, including the following:  name, dates hunted, Department customer identification number and harvest information (including the species and sex of the harvested animal).  This log must be submitted to the Department within 30 days after the close of the latest waterfowl seasons in which the Class B outfitter is operating.  A copy must also be maintained by the outfitter for 5 years;

12)         if the permit holder performs guide services in addition to outfitting services, comply with the requirements of subsection (b);

13)         comply with all obligations under this Part. Failure to comply may be used as the basis for denial of any future outfitter permit. Failure to comply may also result in revocation of a permit or suspension of privileges in accordance with Section 640.80 and 17 Ill. Adm. Code 2530.

b)         A guide shall:

1)         not have had his or her hunting license revoked or hunting privileges suspended under the Wildlife Code for any period of time during the past 5 years;

2)         unless exempt by law, have a current Illinois hunting license and habitat stamp (Class A Permit only) or a current hunting license, State and federal waterfowl stamp, and HIP registration (Class B Permit only);

3)         have proof of successful completion of a State-approved hunter-safety course;

4)         comply with, and ensure that all clients comply with, all State and federal wildlife and weapons laws and regulations; and

5)         not take or attempt to take any wildlife on behalf of the client.

(Source:  Amended at 42 Ill. Reg. 6414, effective March 21, 2018)