September 25, 2018

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois Senate,

100th General Assembly:

Today, I veto Senate Bill 2493, which would direct the University of Illinois Prairie Research Institute to conduct a study on the health and social effects of supplemental deer feeding on the wild deer population outside of deer hunting season.

There is significant controversy within the conservation and wildlife professions as well as among the general public over the real and perceived positive and negative impacts of supplemental feeding of wild animals, and the scale on which these practices are used.

However, this subject needs further discussion to better define the scope and aims of such a study. It should include more flexibility for experts to exercise their judgment and further involvement by the Department of Natural Resources. We should ensure that any research fully considers the health impacts on the Illinois deer population.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 2493, entitled “AN ACT concerning wildlife,” with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

Sincerely,

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR