Springfield – Gov. Bruce Rauner has shot down a bill that would have allowed deer to be fed outside of deer hunting season for study purposes. According to a press release from the Governor’s Office, Rauner vetoed the bill stating that “The subject needs further discussion to better define the scope and aims of such a study,” and that “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.” In addition to allowing deer to be fed during the offseason, the bill would have also directed 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.