Illinois Statutes Chapter 520. Wildlife § 5/2.1. Ownership and title

§ 2.1. The ownership of and title to all wild birds and wild mammals within the jurisdiction of the State are hereby declared to be in the State, and no wild birds or wild mammals shall be taken or killed, in any manner or at any time, unless the person or persons so taking or killing the same shall consent that the title thereto shall be and remain in the State for the purpose of regulating the taking, killing, possession, use, sale and transportation thereof, after such taking or killing, as hereinafter set forth. The taking or killing of wild birds or wild mammals at any time, in any manner, and by any person, shall be deemed a consent on the part of such person that the title to such wild birds or wild mammals shall remain in the State for the purpose of regulating the possession, use, sale and transportation thereof.

The regulation and licensing of the taking of wildlife in Illinois are exclusive powers and functions of the State. A home rule unit may not regulate or license the taking of wildlife. This Section is a denial and limitation of home rule powers and functions under subsection (h) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution.