In a press release, late yesterday afternoon the IA DNR made an attempt to walk back it’s earlier messaging.  Read all about their first email on Dec. 1st and the controversy HERE.  The press release cleared up confusion regarding the misunderstanding over potential changes and effective dates but fell woefully short in a specific area that Iowans need to grasp.

In the 2020 passage of HF716, the Iowa Legislature made every effort to create inclusivity moving forward, rather than an exclusive list perpetually behind the curve of innovative sportsmen and the evolving firearms industry.  Iowa lawmakers recognized the inherent problems facing the outdoors community and helped them get back out into the field and enjoy one of Iowa’s most precious resources.  They made hunting simple again, rather than full of ever-changing lists and annual procedures to beg for your individual chambering to be added or retained.  Here is the paragraph in code being referred to:

 “A barrel length of at least four inches and firing straight wall or other centerfire ammunition propelling an expanding type bullet with a maximum diameter of no less than three hundred fifty thousandths of one inch and no larger than five hundred thousandths of one inch and with a published or calculated muzzle energy of five hundred foot pounds or higher is legal for hunting deer”.

Does anyone remember the US Postal Service commercials they ran after the ‘flat rate’ boxes were introduced?  “If it fits, it ships!”  The paragraph above is a similar precept.  If your weapon is chambered with a bullet of .350″ to .500″ and has 500lbs+ of energy from a 4″+ barrel, enjoy your safe hunt in Iowa!  The Iowa legislature created an inclusive “box” for hunters and offered them the freedom to choose and use weapons chambered within that same box during the December season.

Back to the IA DNR ‘clarification’ press release…  Below is the part of the release you should be concerned with:

Prior to beginning the rulemaking process, the Iowa DNR is first soliciting information from hunters on cartridges commonly used to hunt deer in Iowa. Hunters may submit their calibers along with their justification to wildlife@dnr.iowa.gov by Dec. 14, 2020.

It would have been wise to explain to the public how the rule-making process occurs.  Unfortunately, the IA DNR did not.  Additionally, and most problematic, is the second sentence.  Most Iowans interpreted that as: “You can individually contact the IA DNR and grovel for the chance to use the weapon you already own and we’ll take it under advisement.”

The all-inclusive box as opposed to a chance to submit with justification are components of an equation that doesn’t balance.  Those two things aren’t even remotely similar.  The IA DNR press release, much like their initial email, just days before the big deer season, have both proven to be examples of what not to do.

IFC has been in constant contact with the IA DNR and many legislators since this began.  We hope to help shape the process and provide a stable and healthy outcome.  We also seek to keep you informed.  As of now, your best bet is to stay tuned and send an email through our ACTION ALERT service.  When you take two moments to send that message it reaches the IA DNR Director and the address for the rule-making commentary.

TAKE ACTION NOW AND SEND THE IOWA DNR A CLEAR MESSAGE
TO STOP THEIR CONTINUAL OVERREACH!

 

 

 

****Link to the IA DNR clarification press release.  Full IA DNR press release:

Clarification on 2021/22 deer hunting season request for comments

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wanted to clarify that there are no changes to legal firearms for the 2020 shotgun hunting seasons starting this weekend.

The Iowa DNR is asking for hunter input ahead of the 2021-2022 deer seasons.

Prior to beginning the rulemaking process, the Iowa DNR is first soliciting information from hunters on cartridges commonly used to hunt deer in Iowa. Hunters may submit their calibers along with their justification to wildlife@dnr.iowa.gov by Dec. 14, 2020.

A draft rule will be presented to the Natural Resource Commission for initial approval and if approved, available for official public comment in 2021. A final rule will not be developed until all public comments and feedback are considered.