Iowa regs change/update

[Butcher]

Wasn’t sure where to put this but I figured it would be most visible here. Iowa has done away with nr doe tag group hunting. Where a nr coukd buy a doe tag and kill a buck if he was “party hunting”.
The other change is they banned cell cams. Labeling it as an extension of a phone or electronic device. Cameras can no longer be left overnight on public. If anyone knows more about this or if I misconstrued info, please correct!
On a side note I ran into a YouTuber last year on public and he told me he was running 90 cameras on public. I had 1 out and he asked if I could send him pics of this specific buck he had history with lol.

 

[th88]

Hope it's true. Great news! I drew my first Iowa tag last year. Made a scouting trip in August and couldn't believe the amount of cameras out on public. When I came back for my rut hunt it was even more ridiculous. When I got back home I e mailed DNR about all the cameras and mentioned that they should consider a public land ban. It really took away from my hunt. And I killed my best bow buck ever. I just hate having to scan every tree around when I drop my pants. Don't need anyone laughing at my little willy.

 

[Mallardsx2]

Copy and pasted from the DNR e-mail I just received upon request for clarification.

1) No trail or cell cameras of any type are allowed to be left unattended on public lands.
2) Cell cameras cannot be used anywhere (public or private) while actively hunting.

481A.24 Use of mobile radio transmitter prohibited — exceptions.
1. For the purposes of this section:
a. “One-way mobile radio transmitter” means a radio capable of transmitting a signal only but not capable of transmitting a voice signal. The signal may be tracked or located by radio telemetry or located by an audible sound.
b. “Two-way mobile radio transmitter” means a radio capable of transmitting and receiving voice messages including, but not limited to, a citizen band radio or a cellular telephone.
2. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who is hunting shall not use a one-way or two-way mobile radio transmitter to communicate the location or direction of game or fur-bearing animals or to coordinate the movement of other hunters. This subsection does not apply to the hunting of coyotes except during the shotgun deer season as set by the commission under section 481A.38.
3. A licensed falconer may use a one-way mobile radio transmitter to recover a free-flying bird of prey properly banded and covered on the falconry permit.
4. A person hunting with the aid of a dog may use at any time a one-way mobile transmitter designed to track or aid in the recovery of the dog.

 

[Gellar]

I spoke face to face with an Iowa DNR conservation officer this morning and asked him what they have been told. The officer told me this is part of Executive Order 10 which the governor enacted in 2020 or 2021. E.O. 10 instructs agencies of Iowa to look over their code and simplify it so there is not multiple state codes on the same topic that could be contradicting. Chapter 51 of Iowa code talks about equipment that can be left overnight on a wildlife management area. ( WMA) Cameras and other equipment are not listed as items that can be left out over night, as well as other things like game carts. Essentially this is not a new rule, it is just enforcing and tightening up an old rule.

He also talked about the amount of bait that is left under/and in front of cameras, and how people are leaving them out all year. He mentioned that some states have been challenged by people as to cameras being an invasion of privacy as you do not know where they are at and you don’t know when they take your picture or how they use it.

I asked him how they will enforce it. He said officers will replace the item with a red seizure tag and their contact information. They will use their judgement on removing tree stands as many of them are not safe and the risk of injury taking the stand down is greater than the reward.

With E.O. 10 the DNR cannot make any new regulations until the order is complete. After the order is complete there may be additional verbiage or clarification.

 

[Gellar]

I just talked with the same Consrvation officer that I did previously and the DNR has rescinded the cell camera change. After E.O. 10 is complete they will look to amend the law. The 2024 rule books have been printed so they will read the cell cameras are still illegal, but online the rules will state otherwise.

Before rehanging your cell cams I’d still check with your local C.O. to ensure their interpretation is the same.

 

[Butcher]

Does this mean you can use them while hunting? Are the rules for public changed at all for leaving cams out overnight? Not that I own any cell cams just curious

 

[Gellar]

Does this mean you can use them while hunting? Are the rules for public changed at all for leaving cams out overnight? Not that I own any cell cams just curious

As of now they are interpreting the cell cams as they were in previous seasons. I would still clarify with the C.O. In your hunting area.