NEW LEGISLATURE, NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS
The new legislative session introduces new faces to committees. Sen. Annette Sweeney (R- Buckeye) will chair the Senate’s Natural Resources and Environment Committee, while Rep. Derek Wulf (R- Hudson) is the new chair of the House Natural Resources Committee. Since most of ISC’s bills will be reviewed by this committee, be sure to check the committee roster to see if your legislator is a member.
LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
The Iowa Sportsman’s Club (ISC) is at the forefront of protecting our deer herds and habitats. ISC has been in active discussions with legislators to advocate for our priorities.
This year, ISC will introduce legislation preventing celebrities from obtaining special non-resident deer tags.
Additionally, we will collaborate with legislators to support the forest reserve program and maintain current hunting seasons and methods of take.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
With the election season behind us, we now shift our focus to the legislative process.
Hunters hold significant influence, and it’s crucial that we reach out to our legislators to share our views on important issues. If we stay silent, we risk losing our impact.
Legislators want to represent their constituents effectively, but they can’t do so without hearing from us.
SWEENEY AND WULF CHAIR NATURAL RESOURCES
Sen. Sweeney begins her fourth term in the Iowa legislature (two in the House and two in the Senate) and will again chair the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee. She has served on the Natural Resources Committee every year since being elected to the legislature. She began serving as Senate chair in 2021.
Rep. Wulf begins his second term in the Iowa legislature. This will be his first year as chair of the committee. He previously served as Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Committee and on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Appropriations Committee.
ISC will be advocating for Iowa’s deer herd and habitat this legislative session. Our goal is to Keep Iowa Great!
Eliminate Celebrity Tags
ISC is introducing legislation that eliminates celebrities from obtaining special non-resident tags; sorry Morgan Wallen! Currently, celebrities obtain these special licenses to promote deer hunting in Iowa. By reallocating these tags to Iowa conservation groups, we can better utilize these resources to fund important habitat restoration and wildlife protection programs. Additionally, it ensures that non-resident hunting is done in a manner that benefits the state’s wildlife and public land preservation efforts, rather than being skewed toward those with greater financial resources or public influence.
Maintaining Seasons and Methods of Take
Another important legislative priority is maintaining the current number of deer hunting seasons and methods of take. Diseases, including CWD and EHD are decimating deer populations across many areas in our state, and it is crucial that we focus on managing the herd carefully. Adding additional hunting seasons or methods of take could put undue pressure on already vulnerable populations, potentially exacerbating the problem. By maintaining the existing framework, we can ensure that hunting remains regulated in a way that supports herd health, allowing for responsible harvest levels that won’t destabilize the deer populations. Now is not the time to push for expansions in hunting opportunities, the priority should be on improving the overall health of the herd.
Forest Reserve Program
The long-standing issue of maintaining the Forest Reserve Program continues to be a priority, particularly as it pertains to providing essential habitat for wildlife, including deer. Iowa, with only 7% of its land covered in timber, is critically reliant on its forested areas to ensure the survival of diverse species. The Forest Reserve Program has been a valuable tool for conservation, helping to protect and manage these limited timber resources. While changes to the program may be inevitable, the primary goal is to ensure that it remains in place; these forested areas are vital to the state’s biodiversity and deer population. Any legislative action will need to strike a balance between any reforms and preserving the long-term integrity of the program to maintain habitat and encourage sustainable land management practices.
Non-Resident Tags
With the deer population already suffering due to disease and overhunting pressures, particularly from non-resident hunters who often target trophy bucks, the state needs to further limit external pressures on the herd. Many lands that non-residents hunt are increasingly being leased, taking opportunities away from local resident hunters who are already dealing with diminishing public land availability. By maintaining the current number of non-resident tags, we can prioritize resident hunters, allow the deer population time to recover, and ensure a more sustainable hunting environment in the future.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
It is important that hunters have a voice in shaping policies that affect both the environment and their ability to hunt. Through advocacy, hunters can influence laws surrounding hunting seasons, tag allocations, and conservation efforts, ensuring these policies are both fair and scientifically sound. Active advocacy helps protect access to public lands, prevents the overregulation of hunting practices, and promotes sustainable wildlife management. Without the collective efforts of hunters in advocating for the preservation of wildlife and habitat, the future of hunting, and the species it supports, could be jeopardized.
Please look to see if your senator or representative serves on the Natural Resources Committee. If they do, tell them to support our legislation, and legislative agenda.
House Natural Resources Committee
Senate Natural Resources Committee
PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT ME!
Phil Jeneary
Proud Chapter of
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