The Iowa DNR is offering a course again this year designed to teach all you need to know about hunting deer from start to finish. The DNR's Jaime Cook oversees the "Field to Fork" program. "It's a program designed for adults who have very little or no hunting experience to get a chance to get out … [Read more...]
Pheasant hatch expected to be good this year
A dry April and May have set things up for a big boost to the pheasant population this year. DNR wildlife research biologist, Todd Bogenschutz, says everything is falling into place for a good hatch, including a winter with below-normal snowfall to start out. "Hen survival should have been a … [Read more...]
Wild turkey harvest hits record during pandemic shut downs
The coronavirus pandemic may have led to a surge in the number of wild turkey hunters this year and a record harvest of the birds. Iowa DNR wildlife research biologist Jim Coffey says the season ended Sunday and hunters reported taking 14,600 birds. "This will be our highest number recorded from … [Read more...]
Bedford man sentenced to probation for illegally transporting deer
A southwest Iowa man is sentenced for illegally transporting deer across state lines. Forty-six-year-old Aaron Volkmar of Bedford was given two years probation, a fine of $5,000, and ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution for violating federal law for illegally transporting animals. The court … [Read more...]
Iowa lawmakers discuss boost in out-of-state deer hunting licenses
A small group of Iowa House members and hunting enthusiasts are debating whether to increase the number of licenses for out-of-state deer hunters. Under current law, 6,000 deer hunting licenses are available for residents of other states. Representative Dean Fisher, a Republican from Montour, … [Read more...]
DNR has 18 meetings set up to get input on hunting and trapping
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has a series of town hall meetings scheduled to discuss possible changes to hunting rules and regulations and other topics. DNR spokesman, Mick Klemesrud, says the first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday in Sioux City. "We have 18 meetings set up across … [Read more...]
DNR expects deer population to rebound after disease outbreak
The Iowa DNR reports a drop in the number of deer taken by hunters this year. DNR Wildlife Biologist, Tyler Harms, says the drop coincides with a drop in the number of hunters. "We saw about a three percent drop in license sales and about a 14% drop in the deer harvest statewide this year," Harms … [Read more...]
Tests show record number of Iowa deer testing positive for Chronic Wasting Disease
The number of wild deer testing positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the season that just ended dramatically increased. DNR spokesman, Mick Klemesrud, says they get samples from hunters throughout the season to test. "Seven-thousand samples were collected and submitted -- and form that … [Read more...]
Ankeny man charged for shooting 6 trumpeter swans
A central Iowa man may face stiff fines after killing six trumpeter swans. Acting on a tip, the Iowa DNR sent a conservation officer to Paul Errington Marsh, near Ankeny, on Friday where the officer witnessed a man shooting a trumpeter swan. As the officer approached, the man shot a second … [Read more...]
DNR asks hunters for deer samples to continue CWD monitoring
The first shotgun deer season opens Saturday in Iowa and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is again asking hunters for samples to test for Chronic Wasting Disease. CWD was first confirmed in wild deer in Allamakee County in 2013 and has since been found in Clayton, Dubuque and Wayne … [Read more...]