DNR Proposing Deer Hunting Changes – ACTION REQUIRED!

DNR Proposing Deer Hunting Changes – ACTION REQUIRED!

by | Apr 27, 2018

 

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently proposing sweeping reforms to the laws pertaining to deer hunting in Iowa. The Iowa Firearms Coalition is working hard to stop the DNR from implementing some terrible new restrictions on Iowa hunters and suggesting some changes that would be beneficial to Iowa hunters.

The Iowa DNR quietly released a list of changes on April 24th that can be found on their website. The Iowa DNR is allowing the public to submit written comments on the proposals until 4:30 PM on May 1st. We have created an advocacy campaign on our website to share our concerns with the Iowa DNR. We are strongly urging you to participate and help us protect quality deer hunting in the state of Iowa. 

Here is a summary of our primary concerns:

  1. The DNR has presented baseless restrictions on AR format pistols that may be braced against the forearm or shoulder, when a hunter may legally use the same action type, caliber, and barrel length at the same time and place. The ATF has already established clear boundaries on the AR pistol, and the Iowa DNR appears to be trying to redefine the law or unreasonably extend its authority.
  2. 106.7(2)c3 contains a questionable restriction on pistols that are “designed to be shot with one hand” which could plausibly be a 1911 or a Glock? Does the DNR intend to take a position on whether or not hunters should use only a one-handed or a two-handed hold? We don’t see how DNR thinks they are facilitating a humane harvest when they are limiting my technique and reducing a hunters accuracy. This plan does nothing but make more coyote bait.
  3. Under current DNR rules, a youth hunter cannot harvest a deer with a pistol, even if they are in the pistol season and with an adult. DNR hunting policy has not been updated to be aligned with Iowa law.
  4. A 6 round capacity limit for all gun hunters has been proposed. The Iowa DNR does not have the authority nor the reasonable basis for imposing a 6 round capacity limit for shotguns, pistols, and rifles. This restriction should be removed entirely.
IFC will be attending the public hearing on May 1st at the Wallace State Office Building in Des Moines (Conference Room 4E). You are also encouraged to attend if you wish to present your opinion. IFC Board Chairman Michael Ware will be discussing the DNR proposals and the need for action on the Simon Conway radio show today at 4:30 PM on WHO News Radio.

The current proposals as written do not benefit Iowa hunters and go too far in diminishing the hunting experience that we value in Iowa. We will be going into greater detail at the public hearing on the changes we think are necessary to the current proposal. Share our concerns on our advocacy campaign with the Iowa DNR prior to the upcoming public hearing.
Please share this with anyone else you know who is a deer hunter or Second Amendment supporter in Iowa. Let everyone know that the Iowa Firearms Coalition is working to protect the best interest of gun owners and hunters in the state of Iowa. Join us today on our website!

Thank You,

Iowa Firearms Coalition