Pheasant hunting is Iowa’s most popular sport, and now the Iowa Department of Natural Resources new conservation license plate that features the ringneck is getting notice. Ross Harrison of the Iowa D-N-R says the pheasant plate is ranked highly in the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association best license plate competition for 2005. He says the Iowa plate ranked the fifth best in the U.S. and Canada.
Harrison says this is a first for an Iowa plate in the 40 or 50 years the association has done the rankings. Harrison this is the first time that he knows of that Iowa has been among the finalist.
The pheasant plate and a plate that features an eagle were introduced last September. He says they were designed by Cedar Rapids wildlife artist Greg Bordignon and join the third plate that has the Goldfinch and Wild Rose on it. Harrison says the funds from the plates support the Resource Enhancement and Protection program and the wildlife diversity program.
Harrison says Iowans like the plates too. He says they’re the most popular specialty license plates in the state. Harrison says there are 45-thousand Iowa vehicles with the conservation plates traveling the state. Harrison says you can order the plates at your local county treasurers officer. The plates cost 45 dollars to buy and 25 dollars to renew each year. Kansas took first place in the license plate competition with its new buffalo plate.