First off, we would like to thank everyone for the hundreds of phone calls, emails, and personal contacts. What was accomplished this session would not have been possible without your help. After the first three weeks of the session we thought we were on a sinking ship! THANK YOU for taking action!

A special shout out to our lobbyist, Eric Goranson, for his direction and guidance. THANK YOU ERIC!

This list includes most of the bills introduced this legislative session that were of interest to our IBA members. Some do not affect us directly as bowhunters, but are natural resource concerns. The below pieces of legislation did not pass this year, but are eligible for further consideration during the upcoming 2024 Iowa Legislative Session.

SF516
Thanks to the efforts of the IBA and other outdoors and conservation groups, a bill to make the acquisition of land for public use difficult (if not impossible) was prevented from becoming law. The bill, Senate File 516, is an effort by agricultural interests to drastically change state policy on open spaces, land acquisition and trails, by prioritizing “maintenance” above acquisition. (continued on page 2) 1 (continued from page 2) Along with the proposed “lands” hierarchy, the bill failed to define “maintenance” nor did it specify what proper land management encompasses. You may recall that following passage of SF 516 by the Senate, the bill was initially assigned to the House Environmental Protection Committee. Following a subsequent subcommittee meeting the proposal was pulled from that committee by House leaders and reassigned to the House State Government Committee. Following another subcommittee, the State Government Committee did not advance the bill to the full House. Again, great thanks to all the IBA members who contacted members of the House of Representatives to let them know of your opposition to this dangerous proposal. As this drastic policy change is coveted by some, we do expect to have lawmakers attempt to revisit Senate File 516 during the 2024 Iowa Legislative Session.

SF 553 (formerly SF 363 and SF 277)
Nonresident Family Members Deer Tags - This bill creates a special deer hunting license available to certain nonresident family members. The bill allows a nonresident who is a family member of a resident to purchase a nonresident family member deer hunting license for a fee that is one-half the fee of a nonresident deer hunting license established by the Natural Resource Commission by rule. A nonresident may only use a nonresident family member hunting license while hunting with a resident who is a family member of the nonresident.

SF 548 (formerly SSB 1129)
Forest Reserve Program Changes - The bill provides that for the assessment year beginning January 1, 2024, the amount of the exemption for each qualifying reservation shall be that portion of the actual value of the reservation that exceeds an amount equal to the product of the number of acres of the reservation multiplied by 25 percent of the county valuation per acre of agricultural property determined pursuant to Code section 441.21(1)(e) for the same assessment year. For the assessment year beginning January 1, 2025, and each succeeding assessment year, the amount of the exemption for each qualifying reservation shall be that portion of the actual value of the reservation that exceeds an amount equal to the product of the number of acres of the reservation multiplied by 50 percent of the county valuation per acre of agricultural property determined pursuant to Code section 441.21(1)(e) for the same assessment year.

SF 531 (formerly SSB 1184)
Deer Tags For Crop Loss - This bill establishes crop loss deer hunting permits and seasons. The bill allows an owner or tenant of a farm unit, or a family member of the owner or tenant, to apply to receive crop loss deer hunting permits and tags for use on the owner’s farm unit. An application shall be accompanied with proof of substantial yield loss due to deer. Upon application, the Department of Natural Resources shall issue a crop loss deer hunting permit and tags for use on the farm unit. Six crop loss deer hunting tags are available for use during an early split crop loss deer hunting season, which shall encompass the months of September and October, and six crop loss deer hunting tags are available for use during a late split crop loss deer hunting season, which shall encompass the months of November and December. Tags that remain unfilled at the conclusion of the early split season may be used in the late split season.

SF 255 - Nonresident Deer Tags for Outfitters
The bill requires the Natural Resources Committee to reserve 500 of the nonresident antlered or any sex deer hunting licenses for nonresidents who have made a reservation with an outfitter, as defined in the bill, that is currently registered as a business entity with the secretary of state and has maintained registration since prior to July 1, 2022.

SF 209 (formerly SF 109) - Youth Deer Licenses
The bill requires the Department of Natural Resources to make youth deer hunting licenses available for purchase during the same period of time that general deer hunting licenses are available for purchase, including through all established deer hunting seasons.

SF 208 (formerly SF 175) - Second Chance Bow Tags
This bill allows a person who was unsuccessful in taking a deer during a bow season while using a bow season deer hunting license, to use the license and unfilled tag during the late muzzleloader season or the January antlerless deer hunting season that follows the bow season for which the license and tag were valid. A person hunting pursuant to the bill is authorized to hunt using a crossbow during the January antlerless deer hunting season.

SF 145 - Rifles For Turkey Hunting
This bill requires the Natural Resource Commission to establish a rifle season for hunting turkey. The method of take for the rifle season shall be a caliber .17 hornady magnum rimfire rifle.

SF 138 - Airbows
This bill provides that an airbow is a legal method of take during any deer hunting season in which any firearm is a legal method of take.

SF 42 - Nonresident Deer License Increase
The bill increases the number of nonresident any sex deer tags from the current 6,000 to 7,500. The bill requires NRC to use a random draw process that is weighted to favor applicants with the most preference points to assign nonresident antlered or any sex deer hunting licenses until all available nonresident antlered or any sex deer hunting licenses have been issued. The bill also provides that when a nonresident uses the antlerless deer only deer hunting license and tag that the nonresident is required to purchase with an antlered or any sex deer hunting license to take an antlerless deer in a zone that is above the population goal determined by NRC, then NRC will assign one preference point to the nonresident.

SJR 12 (formerly SJR 8) - Constitutional Right To Hunt, Trap and Fish
This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa providing that the people of this state have the right to hunt, fish, trap, and harvest wildlife, including by the use of traditional methods, subject to reasonable laws enacted by the general assembly and reasonable rules adopted by the natural resource commission.

HF 503 - Coyote Bounty
This bill authorizes counties to establish coyote bounty programs. The bill requires a county that establishes a coyote bounty program to offer a $10 bounty for a coyote lawfully taken within the county.

HF 375 - Hunting Near Schools
The bill prohibits a person from using a bow within 75 yards of the premises of a school to take or attempt to take a game or fur-bearing animal. Additionally, the bill prohibits a person from using a firearm or other hunting device, other than a bow, within one-half mile of the premises of a school to take or attempt to take a game or fur-bearing animal.

HF 322 - Deer Tag Transfers
Under current law, upon application, the Department of Natural Resources issues annually without a fee, two deer hunting licenses, one antlered or any sex deer hunting license and one antlerless deer only deer hunting license, to the owner of a farm unit or a member of the owner’s family, but only a total of two licenses for both. The bill authorizes the recipient of the license to sell or otherwise transfer the license to another person for use on the property.

HF 246 - Youth Deer Licenses
The bill requires the Department of Natural Resources to make youth deer hunting licenses available for purchase during the same period of time that general deer hunting licenses are available for purchase, including through all established deer hunting seasons.

HF 32 - Outdoor Education
The bill requires the director of the Department of Natural Resources to establish and administer a No Child Left Inside program to provide grants for outdoor environmental, ecological, and other natural resource-based education and recreation programs serving youth.

HJR 6 (formerly HJR 2) - Constitutional Right To Hunt, Trap and Fish
This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa providing that the people of this state have the right to hunt, fish, trap, and harvest wildlife, including by the use of traditional methods, subject to reasonable laws enacted by the general assembly and reasonable rules adopted by the natural resource commission.

SF 528 (formerly SF 383) - Physical Therapists To Sign For Crossbows
The bill allows a person’s physical therapist to sign an application declaration allowing a person with disabilities to use a crossbow. Approved by the Senate 48-0. Approved by the House 93-0. Has not been signed by Governor

HF 317 (formerly HF 118) - Nuisance Animal Killing
Under the bill, an owner or tenant of agricultural property or an associated residence, may take, capture, shoot, or temporarily possess, for the purpose of destroying or disposing of, a raccoon, opossum, or skunk without receiving prior permission if the owner or tenant deems the animal to be a nuisance. The bill also specifies that the taking of the animal can only take place outside of the corporate limits of a city; allows for only the use of cage traps or dog-proof traps; and adds the legal standard of “good faith” that would be required for anyone who wishes to take a nuisance animal. Amended and approved by the House 87-11. Approved by the Senate 48-2. Signed into law the Governor 4/28/23.

There has been no movement on SF553 or HF538. We will continue to monitor; we are certain it will move quickly when the legislature feels the time is right.

Senator Driscoll (Sen. From Iowa County) has offered an amendment to SF553, a bill to allow nonresident family members to obtain a deer license without going through the lottery process. The amendment reserves 500 of the current 6000 nonresident tags for nonresident family members.

SF553- Bill Information

We all need to email our Senators and remind them that they supported a three-year study for deer population management. This study was agreed to by both agricultural and outdoor parties. This study is supposed to come up with solutions to the deer population problems and they need to wait until the study is completed before making changes to existing deer hunting rules and regulations. The study is part of SF581 from last year's session. Every Republican voted in favor of SF581.

SF553 still needs our attention. If you have not done so already, please

TAKE ACTION ON SF553

HF538 (formerly HF 449) – (O) Physical Therapists To Sign For Crossbows - The bill allows a person’s physical therapist to sign an application declaration allowing a person with disabilities to use a crossbow. This is the House version of SF528.

On the House debate calendar

HF 317 (formerly HF 118) - Nuisance Animal Killing (M) - Under the bill, an owner or tenant of agricultural property or an associated residence, may take, capture, shoot, or temporarily possess, for the purpose of destroying or disposing of, a raccoon, opossum, or skunk without receiving prior permission if the owner or tenant deems the animal to be a nuisance. The bill also specifies that the taking of the animal can only take place outside of the corporate limits of a city; allows for only the use of cage traps or dog-proof traps; and adds the legal standard of “good faith” that would be required for anyone who wishes to take a nuisance animal. Amended and approved by the House 87-11. Approved by the Senate 48-2.

Ready for Governor to sign

SF550 (formerly SSB1125) Natural Resource Funding (IWILL) (S)

The bill increases the sales tax rate and the use tax rate from 6 percent to 7 percent beginning January 1, 2025. The bill changes the water service tax on the furnishing of water to consumers so that the rate is equal to the rate of the sales tax. Currently, one-half of the moneys collected from the water service tax are deposited into the general fund of the state and one-half of the moneys are deposited into the water quality financial assistance fund. The bill strikes the provision requiring one-half of the water service tax moneys be deposited into the water quality financial assistance fund and requires all moneys generated from the water service tax be deposited into the general fund of the state. The bill also distributes the funds directed into the Natural Resources Trust Fund as follows:

- Twenty-three percent of moneys credited to the fund are allocated to a natural resources account administered by DNR to support initiatives related to state lands, wildlife, recreation, natural habitat, rivers and streams, and education. The bill provides that moneys in the account are to be used for the construction, maintenance, or expansion of roads on state-owned land under DNR’s jurisdiction, and to support salaries and benefits paid to conservation officers, park rangers, or park managers;

- The bill expressly provides that for each fiscal year, at least 10 percent of moneys in the account must be used to support the planting and maintenance of cover crops. The bill also prohibits a charitable conservation contribution tax credit from being claimed against the individual or corporate income tax, except for qualified real property interests conveyed prior to January 1, 2025.

On the Senate debate calendar

SF 548 (formerly SSB 1129) - Forest Reserve Program Changes (M)- The bill provides that for the assessment year beginning January 1, 2024, the amount of the exemption for each qualifying reservation shall be that portion of the actual value of the reservation that exceeds an amount equal to the product of the number of acres of the reservation multiplied by 25 percent of the county valuation per acre of agricultural property determined pursuant to Code section 441.21(1)(e) for the same assessment year. For the assessment year beginning January 1, 2025, and each succeeding assessment year, the amount of the exemption for each qualifying reservation shall be that portion of the actual value of the reservation that exceeds an amount equal to the product of the number of acres of the reservation multiplied by 50 percent of the county valuation per acre of agricultural property determined pursuant to Code section 441.21(1)(e) for the same assessment year.

On the Senate debate calendar

Only change this week is an amendment by Sen. Driscoll.

Senator Driscoll (Sen. From Iowa County) has offered an amendment to SF553, A bill to allow nonresident family members to obtain a deer license without going through the lottery process.

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=90&ba=S-3143

The amendment reserves 500 of the current 6000 nonresident tags for nonresident family members.

SF553 - (formerly SF363 and SF277)– NR family member deer tags (O)

TAKE ACTION ON SF553

Nonresident Family Members Deer Tags - This bill creates a special deer hunting license available to certain nonresident family members. The bill allows a nonresident who is a family member of a resident to purchase a nonresident family member deer hunting license for a fee that is one-half the fee of a nonresident deer hunting license established by the Natural Resource Commission by rule. A nonresident may only use a nonresident family member hunting license while hunting with a resident who is a family member of the nonresident. When legislation was SF363 Farm Bureau was against it. Now that it’s SF553 all lobbyist declarations have disappeared. On the Senate calendar

SF528 – (formerly SF383) Adds Physical Therapist to the list of people who can OK a disability permit. (O)
It allows a Physical Therapist along with a doctor to decide who will receive a disabled crossbow permit.

March 31th was the second funnel date, which means there are certain requirements for legislation to move forward.
There is some legislation that still needs our attention. SF553, SF383 and HF538
IBA TAKE ACTION PAGE

A great win for ALL Iowans who use the public areas of this state. Thank you for the hundreds of emails and contacts made to legislators on SF516. The State Government Committee decided not to even discuss 516, meaning they heard you loud and clear. There is the outside chance 516 could be attached to another piece of legislation as an amendment. We will stay vigilant on this issue.

SF553 - (formerly SF363 and SF277)– NR family member deer tags (O)

TAKE ACTION ON SF553

Nonresident Family Members Deer Tags - This bill creates a special deer hunting license available to certain nonresident family members. The bill allows a nonresident who is a family member of a resident to purchase a nonresident family member deer hunting license for a fee that is one-half the fee of a nonresident deer hunting license established by the Natural Resource Commission by rule. A nonresident may only use a nonresident family member hunting license while hunting with a resident who is a family member of the nonresident. When legislation was SF363 Farm Bureau was against it. Now that it’s SF553 all lobbyist declarations have disappeared. On the Senate calendar

SF516 – (formerly SSB1198) A bill to change state policy on open spaces, land acquisition and trails (O)

The House Environmental Protection Committee canceled both of their committee meetings; they wanted no part of 516. SF516 is now in the State Government Committee. A subcommittee meeting will be held this week. Subcommittee members and the full State Government Committee are listed below.

SF516 – (formerly SSB1198) A bill to change state policy on open spaces, land acquisition and trails (O)
NEW ACTON ALERT THIS WEEK- CLICK HERE NOW

The House Environmental Protection Committee canceled both of their committee meetings; they wanted no part of 516. SF516 is now in the State Government Committee. A subcommittee meeting will be held this week. Subcommittee members and the full State Government Committee are listed below.

The subcommittee members are:
Rep. Harris - austin.harris@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Baeth - austin.baeth@legis.iowa.gov
Rep. Wulf - derek.wulf@legis.iowa.gov

Please also email the full House State Government Committee by copying the list of emails below:

jane.bloomingdale@legis.iowa.gov; austin.harris@legis.iowa.gov; amy.nielsen@legis.iowa.gov; austin.baeth@legis.iowa.gov; michael.bergan@legis.iowa.gov; jacob.bossman@legis.iowa.gov; taylor.collins@legis.iowa.gov; jeff.cooling@legis.iowa.gov; jon.dunwell@legis.iowa.gov; cindy.golding@legis.iowa.gov; craig.johnson@legis.iowa.gov; bobby.kaufmann@legis.iowa.gov; shannon.lundgren@legis.iowa.gov; heather.matson@legis.iowa.gov; mike.sexton@legis.iowa.gov; brent.siegrist@legis.iowa.gov megan.srinivas@legis.iowa.gov; sharon.steckman@legis.iowa.gov; john.wills@legis.iowa.gov; derek.wulf@legis.iowa.gov; adam.zabner@legis.iowa.gov

SF208 – (formerly SF175) Second Chance Bow Tags (O) -

NEW ACTON ALERT THIS WEEK- CLICK HERE NOW

This bill allows a person who was unsuccessful in taking a deer during a bow season while using a bow season deer hunting license, to use the license and unfilled tag during the late muzzleloader season or the January antlerless deer hunting season that follows the bow season for which the license and tag were valid. A person hunting pursuant to the bill is authorized to hunt using a crossbow during the January antlerless deer hunting season.

208 passed out of the Senate by a 32-18 margin, strictly on party lines.

SF553- (formerly SF363 and SF277)– NR family member deer tags (O)

TAKE ACTION ON SF553

Nonresident Family Members Deer Tags - This bill creates a special deer hunting license available to certain nonresident family members. The bill allows a nonresident who is a family member of a resident to purchase a nonresident family member deer hunting license for a fee that is one-half the fee of a nonresident deer hunting license established by the Natural Resource Commission by rule. A nonresident may only use a nonresident family member hunting license while hunting with a resident who is a family member of the nonresident. When legislation was SF363 Farm Bureau was against it. Now that it’s SF553 all lobbyist declarations have disappeared. On the Senate calendar

We have dropped off any legislation that isn’t moving forward. We will continue to monitor them, making sure they don’t come back as an amendment.

There isn’t any new legislation, but we must continue to remind legislators how we feel about those pieces of legislation listed below. After the initial outrage over legislation, we sometimes become complacent and let things slide. Everything listed below is on the House or Senate calendar, it can/will be brought to the full House or Senate for debate and vote. Now is not the time to let up.

Our TAKE ACTION page is receiving lots of visitors, but not enough responders. We try to make it as easy as possible, one click on each piece of legislation. Talking points are already added or you can add your own comments as well. We appreciate everyone that has taken action.

SF516 – (formerly SSB1198) A bill to change state policy on open spaces, land acquisition and trails (O)
ACTION NEEDED ASAP ON SF516 - CLICK HERE NOW

SF516 didn’t pass out of subcommittee this week but was later voted to move on. We assume that the only group supporting SF516, a predominate ag interest group, put enough pressure on the legislators to move it forward. The House Environmental Protection Committee has two meetings scheduled this week; they will not quit till they move SF516 forward. A list of Environmental Protection Committee members is listed at the end of this update.

SF363 (formerly SF277)– NR family member deer tags (O)
SF363 is now in the Ways and Means committee and passed out of subcommittee this week.
It will make its way to the full Senate floor. Farm Bureau is also against SF363
TAKE ACTION ON SF363

Nonresident Family Members Deer Tags (A) - This bill creates a special deer hunting license available to certain nonresident family members. The bill allows a nonresident who is a family member of a resident to purchase a nonresident family member deer hunting license for a fee that is one-half the fee of a nonresident deer hunting license established by the Natural Resource Commission by rule. A nonresident may only use a nonresident family member hunting license while hunting with a resident who is a family member of the nonresident
Sponsored by Sen. Klimesh - District 32 - Winneshiek Co.
mike.klimesh@legis.iowa.gov

Last Friday, March 3rd, was the first funnel date, which means any legislation not passed out of committee is not eligible to move forward as stand-alone legislation. We have dropped off any legislation that isn’t moving forward. We will continue to monitor them, making sure they don’t come back as an amendment.

There isn’t any new legislation, but we must continue to remind legislators how we feel about those pieces of legislation listed below. After the initial outrage over legislation, we sometimes become complacent and let things slide. Everything listed below is on the House or Senate calendar, it can/will be brought to the full House or Senate for debate and vote. Now is not the time to let up.

Our TAKE ACTION page is receiving lots of visitors, but not enough responders. We try to make it as easy as possible, one click on each piece of legislation. Talking points are already added or you can add your own comments as well. We appreciate everyone that has taken action.

SF531 (formerly SSB1184) – Pertains to Depredation Tags (O)

TAKE ACTION ON SF531
Sponsored by the Natural Resource Committee and Sen. Sweeney

SF383 – Adds Physical Therapist to the list as to who OK’s disability permit. (O)

Allows a Physical Therapist along with a doctor to decide who will receive a disabled crossbow permit.
Sponsored by Sen. Sweeney – District 27 – Hardin Co.
annette.sweeney@legis.iowa.gov

SF363 (formerly SF277)– NR family member deer tags (O)

SF363 is now in the Ways and Means committee and passed out of subcommittee this week. It will make its way to the full Senate floor.

TAKE ACTION ON SF363

Nonresident Family Members Deer Tags (A) - This bill creates a special deer hunting license available to certain nonresident family members. The bill allows a nonresident who is a family member of a resident to purchase a nonresident family member deer hunting license for a fee that is one-half the fee of a nonresident deer hunting license established by the Natural Resource Commission by rule. A nonresident may only use a nonresident family member hunting license while hunting with a resident who is a family member of the nonresident

Sponsored by Sen. Klimesh - District 32 - Winneshiek Co. - mike.klimesh@legis.iowa.gov

SF208 – (formerly SF175) Second Chance Bow Tags (O)

TAKE ACTION ON SF208

This bill allows a person who was unsuccessful in taking a deer during a bow season while using a bow season deer hunting license, to use the license and unfilled tag during the late muzzleloader season or the January antlerless deer hunting season that follows the bow season for which the license and tag were valid. A person hunting pursuant to the bill is authorized to hunt using a crossbow during the January antlerless deer hunting season.
On the Senate debate calendar

SJR8 (also HJR6)– Constitutional Amendment right to hunt, fish, trap and harvest wildlife (S)

TAKE ACTION ON SJR8

HF582 - A veteran with permanent disability due to military service may use a crossbow in any archery season (M)
On House calendar for debate

Friday March 3rd was the first funnel date, which means any legislation not passed out of committee is not eligible to move forward as stand-alone legislation. We will monitor closely as these bills could be revived as an amendment. Each piece of legislation below is linked so that you can read the current legislation. Legislation in bold text is newly introduced legislation. It’s imperative that you contact legislators. Always be polite and respectful.

The list of legislation will look different this week. There are still several pieces of legislation that we are concerned with and need you to TAKE ACTION on

SSB1184 – Pertains to Depredation Tags (O)

TAKE ACTION ON SSB1184

Sponsored by the Natural Resource Committee and Sen. Sweeney

SF363 (formerly SF277)– NR family member deer tags (O)
TAKE ACTION ON SF363

Nonresident Family Members Deer Tags - This bill creates a special deer hunting license available to certain nonresident family members. The bill allows a nonresident who is a family member of a resident to purchase a nonresident family member deer hunting license for a fee that is one-half the fee of a nonresident deer hunting license established by the Natural Resource Commission by rule. A nonresident may only use a nonresident family member hunting license while hunting with a resident who is a family member of the nonresident Sponsored by Sen. Klimesh - District 32 - Winneshiek Co. mike.klimesh@legis.iowa.gov

Subcommittee: Driscoll, Trone Garriott, and Zumbach

SF208 – (formerly SF175) Second Chance Bow Tags (O)
TAKE ACTION ON SF208
This bill allows a person who was unsuccessful in taking a deer during a bow season while using a bow season deer hunting license, to use the license and unfilled tag during the late muzzleloader season or the January antlerless deer hunting season that follows the bow season for which the license and tag were valid. A person hunting pursuant to the bill is authorized to hunt using a crossbow during the January antlerless deer hunting season.
On the Senate debate calendar

SF363 (formerly SF277)– NR family member deer tags (O)
Nonresident Family Members Deer Tags (A) - This bill creates a special deer hunting license available to certain nonresident family members. The bill allows a nonresident who is a family member of a resident to purchase a nonresident family member deer hunting license for a fee that is one-half the fee of a nonresident deer hunting license established by the Natural Resource Commission by rule. A nonresident may only use a nonresident family member hunting license while hunting with a resident who is a family member of the nonresident
Sponsored by Sen. Klimesh - District 32 - Winneshiek Co. mike.klimesh@legis.iowa.gov
Subcommittee: Driscoll, Trone Garriott, and Zumbach

SF138 - Airbows (O) - This bill provides that an airbow is a legal method of take during any deer hunting season in which any firearm is a legal method of take.
Approved by subcommittee with an amendment

Each piece of legislation is linked so that you can read the current legislation. Legislation in bold text is newly introduced legislation.

With all three branches of government controlled by the Republican party, all legislation sponsored by a Republican legislator will move quickly. It’s imperative that you contact legislators. Always be polite and respectful.

At the bottom of this update, members of the House and Senate Natural Resources Committee are listed. These legislators need to hear from you.

SF277 – NR family member deer tags (O)
This bill creates a special deer hunting license available to certain nonresident family members. The bill allows a nonresident who is a family member of a resident to purchase a nonresident family member deer hunting license for a fee that is one-half the fee of a nonresident deer hunting license established by the Natural Resource Commission by rule. A nonresident may only use a nonresident family member hunting license while hunting with a resident who is a family member of the nonresident
Sponsored by Sen. Klimesh - District 32 - Winneshiek Co.
mike.klimesh@legis.iowa.gov

Subcommittee In person/Virtual Meeting *** 2/20/23 ***
Meeting Details: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/committees/meetings/subCommMeeting?meetingID=36594
Subcommittee Members to Contact ASAP:
Driscoll: dawn.driscoll@legis.iowa.gov
Trone Garriott: sarah.trone.garriott@legis.iowa.gov
Zumbach: dan.zumbach@legis.iowa.gov

SF255 – Nonresident deer tags to outfitters – (O)

Sponsored by Sen. Green (Boone) jesse.green@legis.iowa.gov

The bill requires the Natural Resources Committee to reserve 500 of the nonresident antlered or any sex deer hunting licenses for nonresidents who have made a reservation with an outfitter, as defined in the bill, that is currently registered as a business entity with the secretary of state and has maintained registration since prior to July 1, 2022.
Referred to Natural Resources

SF42 - Increases nonresident tag quota from 6,000 to 7,500 (O)

Sponsored by Sen. Klimesh (District 32) mike.klimesh@legis.iowa.gov

The bill increases the number of nonresidents any sex deer tags from the current 6,000 to 7,500. The bill requires NRC to use a random draw process that is weighted to favor applicants with the most preference points to assign nonresident antlered or any sex deer hunting licenses until all available nonresident antlered or any sex deer hunting licenses have been issued. The bill also provides that when a nonresident uses the antlerless deer only deer hunting license and tag that the nonresident is required to purchase with an antlered or any sex deer hunting license to take an antlerless deer in a zone that is above the population goal determined by NRC, then NRC will assign one preference point to the nonresident.

Subcommittee: Driscoll, Bennett and Rozenboom

Senate Natural Resource Committee Members

• Annette Sweeney (R, District 27), Chair
• Tom Shipley (R, District 9), Vice Chair
• Izaah Knox (D, District 17), Ranking Member
• Liz Bennett (D, District 39)
• Claire Celsi (D, District 16)
• Chris Cournoyer (R, District 35)
• Rocky De Witt (R, District 1)
• Dawn Driscoll (R, District 46)
• Lynn Evans (R, District 3)
• Jesse Green (R, District 24)
• Ken Rozenboom (R, District 19)
• Sarah Trone Garriott (D, District 14)
• Dan Zumbach (R, District 34)

House Natural Resource Committee Members

• Thomas Jeneary (R, District 3), Chair
• Ken Carlson (R, District 13), Vice Chair
• Adam Zabner (D, District 90), Ranking Member
• Ako Abdul-Samad (D, District 34)
• Timi M. Brown-Powers (D, District 61)
• Dean C. Fisher (R, District 53)
• Dan Gehlbach (R, District 46)
• Thomas D. Gerhold (R, District 84)
• Helena Hayes (R, District 88)
• Heather Hora (R, District 92)
• David Jacoby (D, District 86)
• Kenan Judge (D, District 27)
• Shannon Latham (R, District 55)
• Elinor A. Levin (D, District 89)
• Norlin Mommsen (R, District 70)
• J.D. Scholten (D, District 1)
• Brad Sherman (R, District 91)
• Art Staed (D, District 80)
• Sharon Sue Steckman (D, District 59)
• Luana Stoltenberg (R, District 81)
• Mark I. Thompson (R, District 56)

SF255 – Nonresident deer tags to outfitters – (O)
Sponsored by Sen. Green (Boone).

The bill requires the Natural Resources Committee to reserve 500 of the nonresident antlered or any sex deer hunting licenses for nonresidents who have made a reservation with an outfitter, as defined in the bill, that is currently registered as a business entity with the secretary of state and has maintained registration since prior to July 1, 2022.
Referred to Natural Resources

SSB 1125 - Tax Policy and Natural Resource Funding (M) - The bill increases the sales tax rate and the use tax rate from 6 percent to 7 percent beginning January 1, 2025. The bill changes the water service tax on the furnishing of water to consumers so that the rate is equal to the rate of the sales tax. Currently, one-half of the moneys collected from the water service tax are deposited into the general fund of the state and one-half of the moneys are deposited into the water quality financial assistance fund. The bill strikes the provision requiring one-half of the water service tax moneys be deposited into the water quality financial assistance fund and requires all moneys generated from the water service tax be deposited into the general fund of the state. The bill also distributes the funds directed into the Natural Resources Trust Fund as follows:

• Twenty-three percent of moneys credited to the fund are allocated to a natural resources account administered by DNR to support initiatives related to state lands, wildlife, recreation, natural habitat, rivers and streams, and education. The bill provides that moneys in the account are to be used for the construction, maintenance, or expansion of roads on state-owned land under DNR’s jurisdiction, and to support salaries and benefits paid to conservation officers, park rangers, or park managers;
  
  
• Twenty percent of moneys credited to the fund are allocated to the soil conservation and water protection account to support soil conservation practices, the conservation of highly erodible land, and soil conservation or crop management practices used in biomass production.
  
  
• The bill expressly provides that for each fiscal year, at least 10 percent of moneys in the account must be used to support the planting and maintenance of cover crops. The bill also prohibits a charitable conservation contribution tax credit from being claimed against the individual or corporate income tax, except for qualified real property interests conveyed prior to January 1, 2025.

Subcommittee: Dawson, Driscoll, Jochum, Koelker, and Winckler

Legend:
HF - House File HSB - House Study Bill SF - Senate File SSB - Senate Study Bill
(O) – Oppose
(S) – Support
(M)- Monitoring; watching the bill closely for any changes that may occur
(NR)- Not registered; meaning our lobbyist has not declared our position yet

SF42 - Increases nonresident tag quota from 6,000 to 7,500 (O)
Sponsored by Sen. Klimesh (District 32)
The bill increases the number of nonresident any sex deer tags from the current 6,000 to 7,500. The bill requires NRC to use a random draw process that is weighted to favor applicants with the most preference points to assign nonresident antlered or any sex deer hunting licenses until all available nonresident antlered or any sex deer hunting licenses have been issued. The bill also provides that when a nonresident uses an antlerless deer only deer hunting license and tag that the nonresident is required to purchase with an antlered or any sex deer hunting license to take an antlerless deer in a zone that is above the population goal determined by NRC, then NRC will assign one preference point to the nonresident.
Subcommittee: Driscoll, Bennett and Rozenboom

SF22 - This bill relates to lifetime hunting and fishing licenses available to certain disabled veterans. (NR)
Sponsored by Sen. Zaun (District 22)
The bill would change current law to allow a resident disabled veteran to apply for and receive a lifetime fishing license or a lifetime hunting and fishing combined license without paying a fee.
Subcommittee: Edler, McClintock and Weiner

HF33 – This bill relates to discharging a weapon from a motor vehicle. (S)
Sponsored by Rep. Wills (District 10)
The bill prohibits a person from discharging a weapon from a snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, or any other motor vehicle except that a non-ambulatory person may discharge a firearm from a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle while lawfully hunting if the person is not operating or riding a moving snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle. The bill does not prohibit a person who uses a stationary motor-driven land conveyance intended to accommodate that person’s disability from hunting from the conveyance.
Subcommittee: Wilz, B Meyer and Wheeler

SF79 – Lifetime trapping license for certain disabled veterans. (NR)
Sponsored by Senators Donahue, Dotzler and Boulton

HF32 – The bill requires the director of the Department of Natural Resources to establish and administer a No Child Left Inside program to provide grants for outdoor environmental, ecological, and other natural resource-based education and recreation programs serving youth. (S)
Sponsored by Rep. Isenhart (District 72)

SF106 – Lifetime trout stamp for certain disabled veterans (NR)
Sponsored by Sen. McClintock (District 42)

Legend:
HF - House File HSB - House Study Bill SF - Senate File SSB - Senate Study Bill
(O) – Oppose
(S) – Support
(M)- Monitoring; watching the bill closely for any changes that may occur
(NR)- Not registered; meaning our lobbyist has not declared our position yet

SF42 - Increases nonresident tag quota from 6,000 to 7,500 (O)
Sponsored by Sen. Klimesh (District 32)

SF22 - This bill relates to lifetime hunting and fishing licenses available to certain disabled veterans. (M)

HF33 – This bill relates to discharging a weapon from a motor vehicle.
Sponsored by Rep. Wills (District 10) (M)

Legend:
HF - House File HSB - House Study Bill SF - Senate File SSB - Senate Study Bill
(O) – Oppose
(S) – Support
(M)- Monitoring; watching the bill closely for any changes that may occur
(NR)- Not registered; meaning our lobbyist has not declared our position yet

At the time of this writing (the close of gun 2) there are a few things to highlight. Deer harvest continued to be on pace with previous years. Deer season will continue with late bow/muzzle loader and several special seasons around the state. There are so many more options now to hunt deer that most people seem to be relatively satisfied with the opportunities. I’m penning this as the major polar vortex is about to plummet down upon us. Winter can have some impact on deer survival, but of course it varies depending upon what part of the state you are in. Most years winter is not an issue, but variables include available resources, deer densities and duration. It is also a great time to be out looking at deer since they can be less secretive as they search for food.

Shed antler hunting may be our next outdoor experience. This is an outdoor recreation that is no longer reserved just for the guy looking to find sheds from the buck he saw while hunting. More people are searching for deer antlers than ever before. Starting in January our wildlife management areas will see a continuous stream of antler hunters pacing through ditches, crossings and fence lines hoping to find their best shed yet,a matched set or just some dog chew toys. Good luck, I may see you or I may be ice fishing. We will also be seeing more predator hunters starting to show up on the landscape. Coyote hunting has been growing in popularity for several year and that leads me to this issues question. How are deer populations impacted by coyotes? Well by now you know me or any biologist will answer with ‘it depends”. Relatively new to the Eastern United States- Iowa has learned to live with coyotes and growing deer herds since the 1950’s. This is our largest predator on the Iowa landscape besides the occasional passing wolf or mountain lion. It is an extremely vocal creature that can get your hair standing on end late at night. Do we need to be concerned about coyotes and deer? Well, “that depends”. Coyotes like many predators are extremely opportunistic and seasonal. Not much different from us they eat what is easy and accessible. This means they use deer to their advantage when they are easy and accessible. Many of us realize that a wounded deer does not last long on the landscape or a sick animal as well. Coyotes will make quick work of this resource. But what about healthy deer? Coyotes tend to still be solitary animals with occasional pack behavior, but the cost of taking a full sized adult deer is very costly in energy and danger. However, coyotes have found that young fawns can be tasty morsels during the birthing period. Coyotes will shift diets from mice and voles and search for fawns when they are available. Some research indicated coyotes are a major source of fawn mortality in the first month of life. This just begs the next question, “Does it matter”. Some say no and some say yes. There is still much discussion if coyote mortality is additive or compensatory to the deer population. Sever removal of predators from regions have not shown a great difference in overall deer population increases. Not to sound like a broken record, but it still comes back to what resources (habitat) are available to the deer and to the coyote. Remember predators like “easy” and “efficient”. So should we be concerned about coyotes on the Iowa landscape? That depends, but it is not something that keeps me up at night. Mice will continue to be the base of the food pyramid for coyotes with an increased predation on fawns in June. Heck I eat hotdogs and hamburgers most of the time, but if a lobster steps in front of me he better watch out.

Hope you all had your best season ever, and let me know if you run into any lobsters.

If you have questions or concerns please reach out and contact me at james.coffey@dnr.iowa.gov or send your questions to the IBA editor and I will do my best to answer them.

NEWSLETTERS

My name is Madison Goosmann, and this the story of my 2021 archery buck.

I decided to go off on a limb and sit on the ground, I have never done this before and I didn’t know where to start. I went out early in the morning, hiked up a massive hill and picked a spot where trails intersected near the top and sat behind a tree. I had spotted many deer in the first 2 hours and passed up a small 6, then a hot doe came into the area. Soon after she came though, the woods exploded with activity. I saw decent bucks on her tail for about 30 minutes. Luckily, I went undetected. About 45 minutes after I first spotted them, they disappeared up a hill to my right. They all took the same path up a hill. The temperature soon got to my hands and I had to make the tough decision: to stay out or go in and warm up. At 11:30 I decided my hands had enough, I assumed the does have bedded behind that hill, so I quietly snuck out. I came back to the house and made a game plan to go sit at the base of the hill they all had crossed.

I made it back out to my selected spot at 2:30; I found a nice log and sat between its branches. At 3:00 I was caught off guard by my buck. He snuck up the hill at 10 yards away. I quickly grabbed my bow, rose from sitting to my knees (I have no idea how he didn’t see me considering he was only 10 yards away), and fumbled around with the release. My arrow actually came off of my string at one point. It all happened so fast I didn’t even get buck fever. I drew back and took aim, right as I set my pins he turned and realized I was there, then I shot. I couldn’t believe that it just happened, I saw the arrow in his sweet spot and I lost it. He went right back over the hill he came. THEN the buck fever hit, the adrenaline was real.

After a short celebration and a couple curse words later, I went to go mark first blood. Little did I know that when I came over that hill he would be lying dead in a tree not even 30 yards from where I shot him. I shot at 3:01 and found him at 3:05. It all happened too fast, I shot him within the first 30 seconds of seeing him, and found him not even 4 minutes after I shot. After field dressing, we found that I hit directly into his aorta. I am so grateful to be able to have the opportunity to experience this once in a lifetime experience.

As a hunter, I adapted to my surroundings, I took the information I knew and applied it to my hunt, which resulted in success. His rack scored roughly 161.

Due to Covid-19, I had already missed the pre-rut and most of the rut. Finally, on November 18th, I was able to get in the stand around 3 pm. After a couple of hours and a few grunting sequences, I saw a few does on the edge of the corn and hollow I was sitting in. Then a shooter buck ran out and pushed the five does into the hollow, where they were joined by a large heavy racked buck. The chase was on! One really good buck and one giant buck and five does. Both bucks ran into a six to seven-foot cedar tree ripping it out of the ground. All seven deer ran under my stand at mach one speed, and all grouped tightly together; none providing a safe shot. On the way home, I shared what just happened with my hunting partner. We decide to make sure to hunt this same area the next night.

On the way to our hunting area, we talked over my hunt, wind, stand to hunt, etc. Buddy drops me off about 300 yards from the stand. On the way out he tells me " Its fourth down and goal, three seconds on the clock, good luck ".

I got to the same hollow as the night before, due to wind direction I sat in the stand on the edge of the corn and hollow. I did some calling and light rattling sequences again. Finally at 4:45 pm, I gave a few soft tending grunts, and grabbed my crossbow. I looked up and seen a big body deer coming like on a rope; and as I turned, I noticed it was a shooter buck. I seen him take a quick glance up into the hollow where my golden estrus scent wick was hanging then continued my way. He passed by at a steady walk 18 yards out broad side. My bolt hit a perfect shot; the buck runs thirty yards and down. I wait anxiously for thirty minutes then climb down. Walking up to the buck he keeps getting bigger. He is by far the largest buck I have ever harvested.

I shot this buck with a crossbow, Nov 19th, 2020 in Monona County, Iowa. This is my biggest buck I have harvested to date. He is also the smallest of the two bucks I saw chasing does the night before.

This is a story of my 2019 season. There is an old saying that says you would rather be lucky than good. I prepare all I can to be good, but I will take luck any day it wants to come my way. I had been bowhunting my uncle’s land off and on for 30 years. When my brother and I started hunting it, there were not many deer on the property due to logging and trespassers running their 4 wheelers all over it. The first few years was learning where areas the deer used and what areas to avoid. I would hunt southern Iowa a few years then come back to my uncle’s farm. I would take a buck now and then but nothing over a 130". In fact up to 2019, that was the biggest buck I ever saw on the property. By 2015 my uncle had passed away, my aunt moved into town, and I was the only one bowhunting the property. The trespassing had pretty much subsided. I was seeing more bucks just not very big. The property is 80 acres with 35 timber and the rest tillable.

Now I've had my share of luck both ways. I've had trees jump in front of my arrows. I've forgotten my release back at the truck. I've missed both high and low. But I've also shot a caribou at 3 yards and an elk at 67 yards. Today at 68, my effective range is 40 yds, but give me the 3 yd shot. I must tell you I have practiced scent control from way back. From using plastic suits, to the plastic shower cap on my head, plus I was a follower of Myles Keller and I used to use a lot of baking soda back in the day. Then I purchased one of the first charcoal suits from the sportmans buying guide back in the 80s. As soon as scent lok came out, I was on board. To this day I will wear four layers on my core when its cold out. I shower before every hunt and all my clothes are washed in scent free detergent then stored in totes. But by far the best thing I ever bought for scent control was an Ozonics unit. Since I started using it along with everything else, I have had very few deer wind me even from downwind. Which leads me to Nov 17, 2019.

Finally, after all those years, I was getting some good trail cam pics of a clean 10 pt. that I was guessing to be in the 160s. Every point on the right side matched perfectly with the left side, so I named him Mr. Clean. I have two stands on the property. My south stand is good for any wind from straight east around to northwest. And my north stand is good for a south wind. The north stand sits on an east-west ridge with the ground sloping gently to the south then rising to a taller flat. To the north it is flat for 20 yds before it falls off sharply into a gully before rising to a field 100 yds away. A lot of deer will pass on that hillside to the north, but I've never had one wind me even with a south wind. I had a couple of encounters with Mr. Clean early on, but never close enough for a shot.

That morning it was a south wind and I had a small buck come in from the south and then head west. Then I had a doe to the northwest of me and a different little buck pestering her. They headed east over on the hillside. Not too much later to the north of me, here comes a doe with Mr. Clean on her tail. She works her way up the hill to the west of me at 30 yards and stops. Mr. Clean comes up at 40 yds, but stops behind some brush. Here comes two small bucks sniffing around the doe so Mr. Clean chases them off. With all the chasing going on, the doe gets nervous and takes off with Mr. Clean on her tail. Darn the luck!

About an hour later I see a deer coming up the ridge to the east of me. Now when I see a deer, and if I can get away without spooking the deer, I like to draw on it just for practicing aiming and nerves. So when I saw this deer, I stand up and grab my bow to get ready. At 40 yds I see it was a buck, at 30 yds it looked like Mr. Clean. I couldn't figure out why he would leave the doe, but I started to concentrate on aiming small on him, and not look at his rack. Now when deer come from the east, they usually pass on the south side of me but occasionally they will go behind me to the north. Well this deer was going to go behind me so I had to shift around; and when he was due north of me (straight downwind), he stopped at 17 yds and I loosed an arrow. Holy Cow I smoked him. He ran back east down the ridge and I thought I seen him go down but wasn't sure. It was all I could do to stay in the stand 1/2 hour before I took up the trail. The trail was good, and he did not make it 100 yds. Wait a minute! This isn't Mr. Clean, this deer was bigger. Not only were his tines longer but he had a split G1 on his right side, and an extra point on his right side. In fact, I'm sure he was bigger than Mr. Clean. I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time. He ended up grossing 172 and netting 167. Thanks once again to Tyler Becker for helping me get him out of the timber and thanks to Chris Honeig for making him look life-like on my wall. I wrote this while sitting in a tree on Dec. 3rd. I have not seen Mr. Clean this year although I have seen two different 10 pts, But no luck this year!!!

My name is Ty Rardin, I am 11 years old and I am from Greenfield, IA. I am here to tell my story about my bow hunting experience and my first deer harvest with a bow. I started shooting my bow about two years ago. My type of bow is a Mathews Craze. Like most people, when I started shooting I really didn’t know what I was doing and had a lot to learn. After a couple months of shooting, I started to realize I was getting pretty good. I joined the Adair County Hot Shots, our local shooting sports team for 4-H. I continued to improve with accuracy and consistency. That year I went to the state 4-H Shooting Sports match in Searsboro, IA and finished 2nd. One of our friends had been shooting in some indoor competitions and thought I should try it out, so I did. The next four competitions I placed 2nd each time. I wasn’t frustrated with second, but I knew I could shoot better. The number one thing that I had to change was my mental mindset. Every time I dropped a point in a competition I would get frustrated and I knew I had to change that. This year, I once again shot at the 4-H shooting sport match, and I finally placed first. Now that you have learned about what I have been doing for the last two years, I will tell you about my hunting story.

The last day of youth season was Sunday, October 4th. We had been out two previous times but never had a close enough encounter to be able to have a good shot. That Sunday we headed to the blind about 3:30. My dad had my sister went with me, and they sat in an elevated blind. I was sitting about 200 yards away from them with my cousin and younger sister. We were on a field edge where the corn had already been combined. About an hour before sunset, several does came out of the cedars to feed but never got any closer than 50 yards and eventually walked back into the cedars. Sunset that night was at 6:53 and as it got closer to this time the odds of me shooting a deer were going down every minute.

All of a sudden, a big-bodied spike deer came right down the path we walked in out of the cedars. He walked out into the cornfield and started feeding about 60 yards from where my dad and sister were sitting. My sister wanted to shoot this as her first deer but the deer stood between us and she had no safe shot. After about ten minutes the buck started to walk in my direction. By this time it was about 6:45. The buck continued walking towards me and kept getting closer and closer. The deer walked to a point where I had a good shot out of the big front window, but then he decided to work towards me and I had a clear shot out the little window. The window was too small so I asked my cousin to open the front door about a foot and when he opened the door it creaked just a little bit and I drew back. I put my 20 yard pin on his heart and let the arrow fly. When I let go of my string about one second later he jumped up and there was blood coming right behind his front shoulder and I knew it was a good shot! I watched him run towards the cedars but he stayed on the field edge then came back into the cornfield. He took a couple more steps and then started wobbling. After a few seconds of wobbling he dropped to the ground and then I knew he was done. We were heading over to the deer when we called my dad. He reminded us there was still shooting time left for my sister and told us to keep quiet and stay in the hunting blind until shooting hours were over. I had a hard time being patient because it was so exciting and I wanted to retrieve my first bow kill. After shooting hours were over, we made our way over to the deer that was lying motionless in the field. We met my dad and sister at the deer. I took a corn stock and poked it in the eye to make sure it was dead. At that moment we all celebrated my first deer kill. Our friend, Chris Baudler that let us hunt on his land, came with his four wheeler and cart to help us haul the deer out. My dad helped me gut the deer. Once we got the deer gutted we found the heart and saw that I made a perfect shot. We then hauled the deer back to our truck and took it home. We brought it home, skinned it out, and hung it outside to cool that night. The next day we processed the deer and put it in the freezer.

I shot my first deer with a 20 gauge shotgun when I was 8, but shooting with a bow is more challenging. I believed that I could get one with my bow, I just needed the right opportunity. For all of you kids out there about my age, if you put in the time and practice, you can have the same success that I had. Keep on practicing and good luck to all you fellow bowhunters. “Remember you don’t have to be the best, you just have to be better than you were yesterday” Byron Ferguson. May you all be safe and God Bless!

On December 21, 2020 I found myself nestled high in a tree on a beautiful morning in hopes to fill my bow tag following a long fall season. The weather was perfect; in the high 30’s, with a few inches of snow on the ground. I’ve been waiting for this combination all season and it was finally here. I just hope I can make the best of it. I recently moved to SW Iowa, and was blessed to find a small piece of property that had low external pressure and had no gun hunting which enhanced my opportunity to see and harvest a nice buck. The morning started out slow. No movement until around 9 a.m. when a very nice 10 point started to come down the very trail that would intersect my treestand. I wasn’t sure if it would happen because he did blow a few times, yet continued to make his way down the trail to no avail. He did not seemed spooked, so not sure why he was blowing in the first place. It seemed like fate and that it was going to all come together very quickly. I had seen him a few different times over the course of the season and knew he was a shooter. I had him at 20 yards earlier in the season with no true shot opportunity. I knew he would likely score in the high 150’s or even push 160 inches. I grabbed my bow and got ready.

At the same time, something caught my eye from afar. It was another buck, and a really good one! I thought there was no way he could top the deer that was currently making his way to my treestand. However as he walked the top of the ridge line, the sun to his back, it just showcased his true beauty and I knew he was a much bigger buck than I first had thought. Putting the binoculars on him just re-affirmed that he was indeed a shooter, and much bigger than the deer already making his way to me. I immediately changed my focus to him and where he was going to travel so that I was ready for the opportunity of a lifetime, if it so presented itself. He was following a nice trail that was defined by hundreds of deer tracks, and looked like a cow path. It appeared he wasn’t going to steer away from it. The trail, to my luck, traveled a mere 35 yards in front of my stand with a few openings where I could get a shot off. It all seemed to happen so quickly, before I knew it he was nearing the first opening.

I am very appreciative of the years of archery experience and 3-D practice that gave me the utmost confidence to make an ethical shot at that yardage. As he stepped into the opening, I drew back, settled my pin on his vitals, and released the arrow. The arrow flew straight and found the top of both of his lungs. He ran no more than 50 yards and expired at the bottom of the ravine. I was beyond excited at this point. I could not resist but to climb down the stand and get my hands on my prize. Not sure if I have ever climbed down a tree that fast in my life. I have been bowhunting for more than 25 years and have been fortunate to shoot some really nice deer, but nothing prepared me for this day and what I was about to walk up on: a buck of a lifetime. He was huge, the biggest deer I had ever shot. I was so excited and thanked God for giving me the opportunity to harvest such a beautiful animal. When I finally was able to put a tape measure on him, he came out to 174 3/8 inches and he had broken off 4.5 inches of his G2 on his left side that would have pushed him close to 180 inches. Regardless of score, I am very thankful for this deer and the opportunity of a lifetime. I just hope it doesn’t take me another 25 years to shoot something of this caliber. Justin Foote Black Hawk Archers

One of the most memorable parts of bowhunting is sharing the experiences with someone you love: a spouse, parent, or child. John La Bar and son Ryder share their perspectives on their quest to get Ryder his first archery deer.

A Father’s Prospective – John La Bar

I am happy that my son shares the same passion as myself. I started bow hunting at 14 and it has been a big part of my life ever since. I am Thankful for any opportunity to share hunting experiences with my son.

Ryder had no shots last year because we had a strict 15 yard shot limitation. On November 17th as luck would have it, we saw many mature bucks that afternoon and all decided to stay at 25-35 yards. We witnessed chasing, fighting, grunting and we were a part of an afternoon that every hunter dreams of. We both will remember that hunt forever. Ryder ended up not getting a deer last year, but shot a nice one the year before with the Muzzleloader.

Thankfully, our luck turned around for the 2020 archery season. Ryder shot his first deer with the bow this year! We hunted the afternoon of November 27, there was a hot doe in the area and several bucks were cruising. It was nonstop action, and an afternoon I will always remember. Great Bowhunting memories were created for a father and son

A Son’s Perspective - Ryder

On the afternoon of November 27, with a perfect wind, our afternoon hunt was awesome. Within a few minutes of climbing our treestand we saw 1 doe being chased by an 8 pointer. Soon after, we started seeing groups of deer everywhere. One perfect 8 point buck started walking towards me and I tried to draw my bow on him when I thought he was looking down. That was my mistake, he saw my movement and snorted scaring off all the deer. I was frustrated, but I calmed myself down and waited it out. It wasn't long before I started seeing deer again. I saw a buck walking towards me and decided not to make the same mistake again. As soon as he walked behind the tree that was in front of my stand, I drew back, and with my heart beating out of my chest I took aim. To be honest, I don't even remember where I aimed, I just saw the arrow fly and hit the deer. I saw him run off with the arrow in his shoulder, and he soon fell over and got back up. This was a good sign of a mortal hit. I thought to myself, “I just hit a deer”. I wanted to go and track him right away, but I was not 100% confident about my shot. My father and I decided not to track my deer until the next morning. I could not sleep, and all night I kept thinking about my buck. The next day my dad and I went to where I saw him fall, and there was blood, and lots of it. I found my arrow, and as we tracked him up the hill, and at the top, I saw my deer. I felt like a true bowhunter and I will never forget this deer.

Although Ryder was not able to shoot a deer during the 2019 archery season, he was able to go out with his parent and observe deer and their behavior during the rut. When a parent takes time to foster their child’s interest in bowhunting we all benefit. We benefit be adding another archer to the Iowa’s population and John and Ryder benefit by spending quality time together as a family. The IBA congratulates Ryder and John on his 2020 archery harvest. We commend John for instilling a passion for bowhunting in is children and for taking them hunting.

I grew up hunting whitetails primarily with my muzzleloader. In 2016, after graduation college, I decided it was time to take up bowhunting, but up to this point, no success. I have always had close encounters but was never able to connect an arrow with a whitetail. The day finally came, November 23rd, 2019. I had hunted this stand before during the 2019 season and always seen deer; but again, I had a few close encounters but no luck. This stand sits over a grassy strip situated between two pieces of timber, a clearing to an open field to my west, and a trail through the timber directly to my south. When previously hunting this stand, the deer always funneled in from the west through the clearing, and on this day, the wind seemed perfect to sit this stand again. I got in the stand about 1 pm for an afternoon sit. The first movement I had for the afternoon was from somewhere I least expected, directly down wind. My first thought, “well this can’t be good, they’ll bust me for sure”. A few does were working their way through the timber to my east directly towards me. They were far enough away so I stood up, grabbed my bow, and made sure I was ready. I waited for them to work their way to this grassy crossing where I would have about a 20-yard shot. Sure enough they popped out; I got ready to draw my bow only to realize I had my release snapped back against my arm. Not able to get my release snapped back quickly enough, I saw the does walk out of range.

I sat and watched them for a while and to my surprise, they start to make a U-turn back my way. I followed the same procedure; got up, got my bow ready, and made sure my release was in the proper position. As they worked towards me, they stayed just outside of the range I gave myself for a shot, 40 yards max. They worked their way through this open patch always outside of range, but then made their way to the trail to my south. I had a lane in the trees for a clear shot to the trail and waited for them to come into the opening. Having nothing
to range against, I waited for the first doe to come into the clearing and ranged her at 35 yards, perfect. The second doe was a few steps behind her; I drew my bow back, attempted to calm my nerves, and waited for this doe to reach the clearing. A few more steps, I picked my spot, and I squeezed the trigger. At first, nothing seemed to happen, she didn’t run but just stood there for a few moments. She then started to stumble sideways and went out of sight on the other side of the trail. I heard a crash and then complete silence. At that moment, I knew she was down. While this wasn’t my first deer I ever harvested, having this be the first with my bow was an emotional experience. This was a much more up-close and personal experience than I was used to when hunting with a firearm; and there’s a different connection you feel to your prey when you release an arrow.

I have been a member of the Iowa Bowhunters Association for a little over a year. We live in a world that is full of technology and people who think their food only comes from the grocery store and that hunting is not a necessity. I think it is important for all bowhunters to support organizations that will protect our rights to hunt, so we can get outdoors and get away from the everyday rush of life.

Alexander George

I was fortunate to win the donated wild boar hunt by Rockytop Ranch in Lamar, OK, at the 2019 Fall Festival. When I got the news of winning this hunt, I had no idea this hunting trip could turn into an experience of a lifetime with family. What an experience our family had (with two of my sons and three grandsons), doing what we treasure as a favorite pastime/sport. It took a little time to get everyone’s schedules to match up and have the 21st & 22nd of Dec 2019 open dates at Rockytop Ranch. Once the dates were firmed up, the anticipation was tremendous.

Having three generations of family spending a 3 day weekend in hunting camp enjoying our time together and telling stories was so much fun. We had a camp fire, cooked out, played cards, and worked as a team to get four hogs and one ram over the 2 day hunt. The hogs were much harder to bag than we all thought – they are smart and quick. Three of us hunted with bows on the first day-and half, three hunted with rifles and shotgun. Day one resulted in 2 hogs bagged by the gun hunters. When we seen how challenging this is with bows – the bow hunters switched to a gun and had much better on the last half of day two = two more hogs and a ram.

A huge THANK YOU to the IBA & Rockytop Ranch for a real special event for our family. I would recommend this outfitter for other IBA members and family as it truly is a family run business by Joe & Judy.

Happy New Year Glen Pullin

My story begins in 2002 when as vice president of the Johnson County Archers I procured a free bear hunt for our club to raffle off with Bear Paw Landing of Ontario, Canada. One of our members, Craig Parks, won the hunt and 5 of us went up with him. Well, 3 of our members shot bears that week, Frank Dolezal, Chris Hayes, and Dick Heitzman. I had a big one come in at dark and just cut hair on his belly. No excuses just missed. So I wasn't about to give up and signed up to go back in 2004 with Bruce Endris. Well, the short story is Brice got his bear and I didn't see any. Forward to 2007. I along with Bruce again and friend Scott Packingham head to Ontario again only this time with Rocky Shore Lodge. Bruce again shoots his bear and again I did not see a bear and wondering if it’s ever meant to be.

So in 2018 when I received some raffle tickets from the Hunters Dream Sweepstakes and I just threw them on my desk. Well, my lovely wife Deborah was wanting to go to the casino, and I not the big gambler supporting the casino with funds the day before the raffle, I called them up and ordered tickets. While sitting in the casino watching football I looked up online to see who won the prizes. Much to my surprise, I won the 5th place prize which was a 2019 bear hunt with Bruno Martel Adventures and a 2020 deer hunt with Dale Mckinnion outfitters. Both are in northern Alberta, Canada and in fact Bruno Guides for Dale in the fall.

On May 3rd, my trip started off precariously as there was a mix up with my reservation and I had to run to make the first leg of my flight. From Kansas City to Salt Lake city to Calgary, Alberta to Ft. McMurray, Alberta then went flawlessly. I was picked up the next day by Brun, one other hunter, and Lynn his cook. The area around Ft. McMurray was devastated by a gigantic fire a few years ago, after about 45 miles of burnt stumps we finally started seeing green pines and another 15 miles and we turned off the highway to a locked gate. What do we see on the other side of the gate but a sow and 2 cubs. Not even into camp and I have seen more bears in one hour than 3 years hunting in Ontario.

So after a great lunch we headed out on a 4 wheeler and I was on stand at 4 o'clock. About 7:30 I spot movement to my right. With snow on the ground the bear was easy to see at 40 yards. He came right under my stand but not before looking up at me and hesitating. He looked like a shooter but I waited till he went next to the bait barrel filled with oats. Bruno said if the bears back is above the second ring on the barrel its a shooter. No problem as this bear cleared the ring by 6 inches. It took me 15 minutes before I finally got a broadside shot and I made the most of my opportunity. When I heard the bears death moan a minute later I knew I had my first bear, so I gave my guide Tristain a call to come get me. We struggled to load the bear on the 4 wheeler. The next day Bruno aged the bear at 6 1/2 years and 250+ lbs. It later scored 17 3/8 on the P&Y scale.

The next day, Tristain loaded the 4 wheeler on the truck and we drove about 10 miles down the road to my next stand. Now I was perfectly happy with my first bear and wasn't going to shoot another one unless it was a lot bigger then the first one or a colored phase bear. Again I was on stand about 4 o'clock. Nothing happened until 7:00 when I heard a crash to my left 35 yards out. When I looked that way I couldn't believe what I was seeing. When this bear stuck his head out of the bush I instantly knew this bear was A LOT bigger then the first one. He worked his way to the bait barrel, and as he walked past the bait barrel his back was even with the top of it. He even licked the grease off the top of the barrel without standing up!!!! Fortunately it took me 20 minutes before I could get a shot, which help me settle down. I felt I made a great shot. I called Tristain again and told him he better bring help as this was a BIG bear. After a short trailing job, I was staring at my second bear in 24 hours. The next day Bruno aged this bear at 10 years old and 350+ lbs. We measured this bear at 18 6/8.

After 4 years chasing bears, I had 2 in 24 hours and good ones at that. If anyone wants to chase bears and have a excellent chance to get 1 or 2, I can highly recommend Bruno Martel outfitters. Outstanding camp, guides, stands, and I swear I gained weight from the great food Miss Lynn cooked for us during the week. The camp is wall tents with wood floors and wood stoves inside with cots and foam pads, very comfortable. Aim small, miss small.

Bill Heitzman

These bucks were both taken Nov. 3rd, during our annual family bowhunt at the Stabbin Cabin (Not quite sure how our cabin got its name). I rattled in 4 bucks at once around 8a.m. Of course, the big one stayed out in the middle of the field with the ladies, but this guy was giving me such a show scraping and thrashing cedars, I couldn't resist. Plus, our annual hunts hadn't produced much in kills the last couple years, and it was time to break the ice. My shot wasn't the greatest, but he went down in sight so I must have hit an artery in there somewhere. By the time I got him cleaned out I had to run to attend a funeral, so the morning hunt was over.

Afternoon rolled around and I sent my son to the timber reserve to hunt an obscure trail that runs around the rim of the hill. It's a stand where you see cruising bucks or nothing, so we were all in, so to speak. He texted me on the walk in,"Lots of deer moving, think I got in without spooking anything." About a half hour later he sent me a picture text of his buck and the celebrating began. He had to watch this guy approach for a couple minutes and made a perfect shot at 5 yards for a 50 yard recovery. I have to say tho, what made this hunt special was that it was my son's first deer since he was 15. He's now 23 and about to graduate from ISU with a degree in computer engineering. He spent a few years chasing other dreams and planning his escape from Iowa when he graduated. Luckily for me, the cabin, the hunting, and the time spent around the woodstove swapping lies, stories and discussing life with family and friends, brought him back around. Most of you guys are way younger than me, but I hope you can all experience someday what I got to this past weekend. When you clink beer bottles with your grownup son, or daughter, in toast to a successful hunt and time spent together it should bring tears to your old man eyes too. Good luck to all and please support the IBA.