The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is taking public comments on a proposed rule change that would give in-state hunters the first shot at pheasants and other game over out-of-state hunters. The D-N-R’s Chris Ensminger (Enz-ming-er) says it’s something they’ve been working on since 2021.
Ensminger says the change keeps non-residents out of the first week of pheasant season and adds other restrictions as well.
The Natural Resource Commission approved the change and some commissioners said during discussions there can be a lot of out-of-state hunters in the state areas along the borders. Ensminger says it won’t be a big problem for most visiting hunters.
He says out of state hunters could buy another 14-day license if they want more time, and a five-day license is also available. Ensminger says squirrel hunting is another season that has raised some concerns during the early bow hunting season for deer.
Ensminger says they hope the change will ease some of the pressure in the woods for Iowa bow hunters. He says the changes don’t impact the deer or turkey seasons.
The D-N-R is taking comments on the rule change through September 22nd. You can send written comments, or there will be a public hearing on September 22nd. Ensminger says the N-R-C will vote on final approval after the public hearing. The changes would not go into effect until the 2027 hunting seasons.
