Sec. 2.18. It shall be unlawful to take, possess, transport or use migratory game birds except during such periods of time, and only in such manner and numbers, as may be permitted pursuant to the Federal "Migratory Bird Treaty Act", and the "Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act", and further as permitted by this Act and State regulations made pursuant to this Act. The Director shall give due notice of any regulations, or any administrative rule, issued pursuant to said "Migratory Bird Treaty Act" and observe the provisions thereof in the enforcement of this Act.
Illinois Compiled Statute
520 ILCS 5/2.18
Offense Description
Unlawful taking of migratory game birds
Offense Classification
Petty Offense
Statutory Penalties & Sentencing Scope
No incarceration authorized · Fine up to $1,000
Supreme Court Rule 551 Mandatory Court Appearance
Personal appearance is not mandatory under Rule 551 by default. The citation may be satisfied by written appearance, pre-set administrative payment, or mail-in notice unless aggravated circumstances apply.
Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.
Secretary of State Driver's License Action
Standard Administrative Protocol: No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
Under Illinois law, 520 ILCS 5/2.18 (Unlawful taking of migratory game birds) is classified as a Petty Offense. Statutory sentencing scope: No incarceration authorized · Fine up to $1,000. Court appearance is not mandatory (pre-set bond or notice to appear), and pretrial release is presumptively release-eligible under the SAFE-T Act.
Offense Class & Sentencing ScopePetty Offense
No incarceration authorized · Fine up to $1,000
Court Appearance MandateRelease on Notice (No Mandate)
Personal appearance is not mandatory under Rule 551 by default. The citation may be satisfied by written appearance, pre-set administrative payment, or mail-in notice unless aggravated circumstances apply.
Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.
Secretary of State License SanctionStandard Administrative Protocol
No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
Sec. 2.18. It shall be unlawful to take, possess, transport or use migratory game birds except during such periods of time, and only in such manner and numbers, as may be permitted pursuant to the Federal "Migratory Bird Treaty Act", and the "Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act", and further as permitted by this Act and State regulations made pursuant to this Act. The Director shall give due notice of any regulations, or any administrative rule, issued pursuant to said "Migratory Bird Treaty Act" and observe the provisions thereof in the enforcement of this Act.
(Source: P.A. 85-152.)
Frequently Asked Questions & Legal Analysis
Authoritative Statutory Guidance
What is the statutory penalty and sentencing range for 520 ILCS 5/2.18 in Illinois?
Under Illinois law, 520 ILCS 5/2.18 (Unlawful taking of migratory game birds) is classified as a Petty Offense.
Sentencing Scope: No incarceration authorized · Fine up to $1,000
Is a court appearance mandatory for 520 ILCS 5/2.18 under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551?
No Mandatory Court Appearance (Pre-Set Bond / Notice to Appear): Personal appearance is not mandatory under Rule 551 by default. The citation may be satisfied by written appearance, pre-set administrative payment, or mail-in notice unless aggravated circumstances apply.
Is an individual accused of 520 ILCS 5/2.18 detainable before trial under the SAFE-T Act?
Presumptive Pretrial Release: Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.
What Secretary of State driver's license sanctions apply to 520 ILCS 5/2.18?
Standard Administrative Protocol: No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
Official Legal Citation Formats
Legal & Academic Reference
Standardized legal citations for briefs, court pleadings, law enforcement documentation, and academic research.
Illinois Supreme Court Citation520 ILCS 5/2.18 (West 2026)
The Bluebook Style (21st ed.)520 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/2.18 (2026)
Canonical Web Referencehttps://ilcsindex.com/statutes/520-ilcs-5-2.18