SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce passed a bill through the Senate that would increase the max capacity of centerfire hunting rifles.

“Looking at youth hunting, this specific type of rifle is easier to handle and therefore safer to use,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This would put us on par with other states and give a nice boost to the hunting industry statewide.”

Senate Bill 2756 would increase the max capacity of centerfire rifles from one to three rounds. This would put Illinois on par with all other states, as Illinois is the only state that institutes a single-shot limit on centerfire rifle capacity. Joyce led previous legislation that formally legalized the use of single shot centerfire rifles for deer hunting season. Since its introduction, centerfire rifle use among youth hunters has jumped to just over 50 percent.

Single-shot rifles increase the possibility of severely wounding a deer without giving hunters the opportunity to humanely put the deer down with a second shot. Non-resident hunters, and some Illinois hunters, either need to modify existing rifles or buy new ones to hunt in Illinois. Joyce’s legislation could increase the number of non-resident hunters visiting the state on hunting trips. Centerfire rifles are also an easier gun to handle for women and children, which could make hunting more accessible and safe.

Senate Bill 2756 passed the full Senate Wednesday with bipartisan support.