Iowa’s rich wildlife resources, including its beloved hunting opportunities, are currently under threat by three critical bills in the state legislature—House Bill 378 (HB378), House Bill 142 (HB142), and Senate Joint Resolution 6 (SJR6). These bills address deer depredation, forest reserve protection, and the Natural Resources Trust Fund. If passed, these bills could severely undermine Iowa’s long-term conservation efforts, reduce hunting opportunities, and harm natural habitats. As a hunter and conservationist, your voice is needed now to protect Iowa’s wildlife and natural resources. Contact your local legislators today and urge them to vote “no” on these three bills.
HB 378 – Deer Depredation
The proposed deer depredation bill seeks to expand antlerless harvests across Iowa. However, current regulations have already resulted in Iowa having one of the highest antlerless harvests compared to other Midwestern states. There is no immediate need for further antlerless harvests, and such a change would risk destabilizing the current management of deer populations. The seasons and bag limits for deer hunting should remain in agency rule, rather than being codified in statute, so that they can be adjusted by wildlife experts in response to changing ecological conditions. Enacting this bill would undermine current efforts to manage depredation effectively and would harm the work of dedicated conservation staff.
HB 142 – Forest Reserve
Currently, only 7% of Iowa’s land is forested, and each year, we see more and more standing timber disappear. The Forest Reserve bill proposes changes that could make it even harder to maintain and protect the small amount of forest we have left. As habitat for countless species of wildlife, forests play a crucial role in sustaining Iowa’s biodiversity. Losing more of these vital ecosystems would have far-reaching consequences on our state’s wildlife populations. It’s critical that we hold on to Iowa’s remaining forests to ensure a healthy environment for future generations. The state must focus on enhancing forest protection and preservation, not weakening it.
SJR 6 – Natural Resources Trust Fund
The Natural Resources Trust Fund bill addresses the allocation of sales tax revenue into a designated fund for conservation efforts. However, this bill includes provisions that would not effectively fund conservation and could limit future opportunities for wildlife protection and habitat preservation. Although sales tax increases would deposit money into the fund, there are no provisions for public relations or marketing dollars tied to this fund, leaving it ineffective in driving public support. Without proper funding and outreach, the Trust Fund would not help to strengthen Iowa’s conservation efforts as intended, potentially stalling progress in our state’s natural resource management.
Take Action Now
The bills currently before the Iowa legislature pose significant risks to the future of Iowa’s hunting, wildlife, and conservation efforts. By voting “no” on these bills, legislators can help preserve Iowa’s natural resources for future generations. As hunters and conservationists, we must unite to protect the integrity of our state’s wildlife management and habitat preservation programs. Contact your local legislators today to urge them to vote “no” on these harmful bills, and make sure your voice is heard in the fight to protect Iowa’s future.