Des Moines – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hosting public meetings on February 21st from 6 to 9 p.m., to listen to the public’s thoughts on the hunting and trapping regulations for this fall.  The meetings are part of the process for making rules in state government. Todd Bishop, chief of the wildlife bureau, said “Any rule changes must be discussed with Iowa’s citizens who might be impacted by the changes before the rule changes are proposed. The process helps ensure that rule changes serve the public’s wishes and do not impact Iowa’s economy.”  At each meeting DNR staff will facilitate a discussion about what went well last fall, what didn’t, and what changes hunters and trappers would like to see for this fall.

The discussions along with the data that the wildlife bureau collects on harvest and population numbers will be used to develop recommendations for any rule changes. Any changes must be approved by the Natural Resource Commission and then go back to the public for further comment before taking effect next fall. Meetings will be held locally:

• In Atlantic, at the Iowa DNR Office (1401 Sunnyside Lane)
• In Council Bluffs, at the Fish and Game Club (531 Comanche St.)
• and in Creston, at Southwestern Community College (1501 W. Townline), Room 180.

Any person attending the public meeting and has special requirements such as those related to mobility or hearing impairments should contact the DNR or ADA Coordinator at 515-725-8200, Relay Iowa TTY Service 800-735-7942, or Webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov, and advise of specific needs.