The DNR's annual trout stocking of ponds across the state is now complete. Northeast Iowa regional fisheries supervisor Mike Steuck says it's a way to introduce trout fishing outside their normal habitat. He says they stocked 18 community ponds with the goal of getting people excited about trout … [Read more...]
DNR gets questions following COVID deer study
The DNR expert who oversees the state's deer population tells the Natural Resources Commission they've been getting calls following reports on the results of a study of COVID in deer. Tyler Harms says the Wildlife Bureau conducted the study after seeing studies in other states which found no … [Read more...]
DNR training ‘CWD Ambassadors’ to help fight the disease
A series of classes are underway in northeast Iowa that focus on Chronic Wasting Disease in deer. Iowa State University wildlife specialist, Adam Janke is leading the program called CWD Ambassadors "What we hope with C-W-D Ambassadors is that we will train up some people who are connected in … [Read more...]
Duck season opens with good outlook for hunters
Duck hunting season opens Saturday in the northernmost zone of the state. State waterfowl biologist Orrin Jones, says conditions are setting up for a good opener. "Fall migrations are just beginning to kick off -- so we think that's favorable. Wetland conditions across the state are variable, so … [Read more...]
Lansing man given prison time for arranging illegal deer hunts
A Lansing man will spend two months in federal prison for arranging illegal deer hunts through his business. Forty-six-year-old Corey Gene Fritzler pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy. He ran Northeast Iowa Outfitters -- and admitted he set up a deer hunt for two men from Florida who were … [Read more...]
Northwest Iowa could be the hotspot as pheasant numbers mirror last year
The pheasant season last year saw hunters take the second-highest number of pheasants in more than ten years -- and the numbers are lining up for a repeat. DNR wildlife biologist, Todd Bogenschutz oversees the roadside survey and says one area stood out. "Up in the northwest, it could be some of … [Read more...]
Dove season opens with good outlook
The Iowa dove hunting season opens up today. DNR wildlife biologist Todd Bogenschutz says the weather should work out for hunters to see a lot of birds. "Doves are already probably already starting to migrate south, and sometimes that can impact us here if we've had some really cool nights. A lot … [Read more...]
2020 saw big jump in pheasants taken by hunters
The pandemic helped Iowa see a huge 2020 pheasant harvest. The DNR reports Iowa hunters bagged nearly 300,000 roosters during the 2020 season -- the second-highest harvest reported in more than a decade -- and around 16,000 more than 2019. DNR Wildlife biologist Todd Bogenschutz says there … [Read more...]
Environmentalists raise concern as easement approved for Bloody Run Creek
The Iowa Natural Resource Commission voted to add protections to a northeast Iowa trout stream Wednesday, but environmentalists say they are concerned about plans approved for a nearby cattle operation. A DNR memo says the five-acre easement along Bloody Run Creek in northeast Iowa's of Clayton … [Read more...]
DNR wants to know about wild turkey sightings
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is asking for your help in counting wild turkeys. Wildlife biologist, Jim Coffey coordinates the turkey tracking. "During the month of July and August, we look for the general public to report any turkey sightings that they see. What we are really looking … [Read more...]