DNR Hosts Meetings in Waverly, Decorah, Charles City to Recap Hunting/Trapping Seasons, Discuss Possible Rule Changes

The Iowa DNR will host a series of town hall-style meetings where local staff will provide updates on recently completed hunting and trapping seasons, discuss possible changes to hunting and trapping rules and regulations, and address other topics as requested.

Todd Bishop, chief of the Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Bureau, said, “We want people to come out to these meetings, listen to the season’s reviews, ask questions and hear directly from our staff. Part of the meeting will be devoted to discussing potential rule changes and collecting feedback as we work through the rules process.”

The meetings are open to the public. Comments collected from the meetings will be considered along with other related comments received by the DNR prior to proposing changes to hunting rules and regulations. Proposed rules will be presented to the Natural Resource Commission for consideration and additional public comment. 

Comments received during previous listening sessions have resulted in regulation changes, including expanding the raccoon hunting and trapping season on private land, modifying Iowa’s antlerless deer quotas in north central and western Iowa, and extending the regular trapping season through the end of February.

Meeting dates, times and locations include:

• Waverly, March 2, 6 p.m., Waverly Public Library
• Decorah, March 3, 7 p.m., Franklin W. Olin Building at Luther College, 700 College Drive
• Charles City, March 4, 6:30 p.m., Public Library Zastrow Room
• Algona, March 5, 7 p.m., Tietz Entrepreneurial Center at the Algona campus of Iowa Lakes Community College
• Ventura, March 5, 6 p.m., Clear Lake Wildlife Unit Office

Any person attending the public meeting that has special requirements, such as those related to mobility or hearing impairments, should contact the Iowa 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.