DNR state deer biologist, Jace Elliott, says testing during the recent season found more cases of chronic wasting disease. "Unfortunately, about 84 deer tested positive across the state this year. Now keep in mind, that's out of about 5000 deer that were sampled statewide this year alone," … [Read more...]
New filter system approved to help Spirit Lake hatchery raise muskies
The Iowa Natural Resources Commission has approved spending $75,000 on a filter system for the Spirit Lake fish hatchery in Dickinson County to improve the production of muskellunge or muskies. DNR fisheries supervisor, Jay Rudacille says the system is needed to obtain better water to raise the … [Read more...]
Number of deer taken by hunters increased this year
DNR state deer biologist, Jace Elliott, says hunters reported taking more deer this year. "We saw about 109,600 deer harvested across the state throughout all of our regular seasons, which represents about a seven percent increase to the harvest that we saw in the prior year," Elliott says. That … [Read more...]
Lawmaker aims to give Iowans permission to kill ‘nuisance’ raccoons
An Iowa lawmaker is working on a bill that would give the owners or tenants on agricultural properties permission to capture or kill raccoons that are a nuisance. Representative Dean Fisher of Montour says raccoons have become a big problem. "The raccoon population has just expanded dramatically … [Read more...]
Legislators consider rules for a black bear hunting season
Black bears would become a protected species under legislation working its way through the Iowa House. Representative Dave Jacoby of Coralville says the goal is to let state officials regulate hunting if the black bear population grows. "I think it's important for Iowans if we do see a shift or a … [Read more...]
DNR stocking trout this month
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will stock rainbow trout in five urban lakes and ponds this month for anglers who enjoy winter fishing. Mike Steuck, the DNR's regional fisheries supervisor for northeast Iowa, says trout get stressed in warmer water and can even die if the temperature is … [Read more...]
New January deer season allows hunters to take unused antlerless tags
Iowa hunters will get a second chance to bring home a deer with a new season. The DNR's Tyler Harms says they're calling it the excess tag January season. "That season will be implemented in counties that have unsold county antlerless licenses available on January 10th," Harms says. He says … [Read more...]
Paddlefish licenses on sale for season starting in February
Licenses for a chance to snag one of the state's most unique fish are now on sale. The DNR's Missouri River fisheries supervisor, Chris Larson, says paddlefish licenses are on sale through January 7th. "It's one fish per license that you can purchase two licenses of there's some available after … [Read more...]
Ice conditions vary on lakes and rivers across state
Some lakes and ponds in northern Iowa already have ice thick enough to support ice fishing, while elsewhere, you can still see open water. Joe Larscheid, chief of the Iowa DNR Fisheries Bureau, says it's early in the season and Iowans who love ice fishing have to be patient -- or head north. … [Read more...]
State regulators approve open raccoon trapping season
The Iowa Natural Resources Commission has approved a Department of Natural Resources proposal to create a continuous open season for raccoons. DNR wildlife biologist Vince Evelsizer told the commission the request was not taken lightly and came after a review of various raccoon population … [Read more...]