The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is making changes in the paddlefish season in western Iowa to try and increase interest. DNR fisheries biologist Ryan Hupfeld says the ability to catch paddlefish on the Missouri and Big Sioux Rivers in western Iowa returned in 2015 after nearly 30 years of … [Read more...]
DNR reminds anglers to check ice conditions for safety
While the temperatures have dropped to below freezing across the state, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is warning those who enjoy ice fishing to be extra careful during the next few days. DNR Fisheries Chief Joe Larscheid says the cold snap likely froze most bodies of water solid -- but … [Read more...]
CWD tests of Iowa deer will be delayed
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says the testing of deer tissue samples for Chronic Wasting Disease is being delayed by a lack of test kits. DNR spokesman Mick Klemesrud says they seen delays in a couple of areas. "The labs that have the kits -- like Colorado State that does have some -- … [Read more...]
Good weather expected as first shotgun deer season opens
Iowa hunters are preparing to head out as the first shotgun deer season opens in Iowa Saturday. DNR spokesman, Tyler Harms, says some 60,000 hunters are expected to try and bag a deer in the four-day season. He says deer numbers should be good as the deer populations have remained stable for each … [Read more...]
Pheasant hunter accidentally shot by his own dog in Wright County
A man from New Hampshire who came to Iowa to hunt pheasants ended up going to the hospital Wednesday after an unusual accident involving a dog. DNR conservation officer Ken Lonneman says 36-year-old William Rancourt was hunting at the Boone River Greenbelt public hunting area in Wright County … [Read more...]
Iowa DNR has 127 lakes on its restoration list
State tax dollars have helped finance "restoration" of 22 Iowa lakes, with another 21 lake improvement projects in progress. Iowa Department of Natural Resources director Chuck Gipp is asking lawmakers to set aside another $9.6 million so the effort may continue. The state's "lake restoration … [Read more...]
Gun explodes injuring boy in Jackson County pheasant hunt
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says an 11-year-old was injured while pheasant hunting Sunday. The DNR says the boy, who they do not identify, was pheasant hunting with his father in Jackson County at the Three Hills Hunting Preserve around 11 A.M. The boy fired at a bird and his gun … [Read more...]
Hunting with a bow offers an ‘experience’ with nature
Several thousand hunters will take to the woods with a bow looking to bring home a deer in the next several weeks. DNR wildlife biologist Jim Coffey says the bow season has become more and more popular because of what it offers to hunters. "Probably the most unique thing about archery season is the … [Read more...]
DNR increasing surveillance in western Iowa after Nebraska CWD discovery
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will take a more concentrated look at the deer who roam along the state's western border with Nebraska this fall to screen for Chronic Wasting Disease. The move comes after 5 deer harvested in southeast Nebraska in 2016 tested positive for the disease. The … [Read more...]
Ammonia from Wells Blue Bunny plant likely caused fish kill
State officials say ammonia used as a refrigerant in a Wells Blue Bunny plant is the likely cause of a fish kill in a small stream near Le Mars. Julie Sievers of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says the dead fish were first reported early Thursday morning by a person who'd been on a bike … [Read more...]