DNR gathering comments on hunting, trapping rules

DES MOINES ­? The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hosting public meetings over the Iowa Communications Network 6-9 p.m. Wednesday to listen to the public?s thoughts on the hunting and trapping regulations for this fall.

The meetings are part of the process for making rules in state government.

?Any rule changes must be discussed with Iowa?s citizens who might be impacted by the changes before the rule changes are proposed. The process helps ensure that rule changes serve the public?s wishes and do not impact Iowa?s economy,? said Dale Garner, chief of the wildlife bureau.

At each meeting, DNR staff will facilitate a discussion about what went well last fall, what didn?t, and what changes hunters and trappers would like to see for this fall.

The discussions, along with the data the wildlife bureau collects on harvest and population numbers, will be used to develop recommendations for any rule changes this fall.

Any changes must be approved by the Natural Resource Commission and then go back to the public for further comment before taking effect next fall.

Meetings will be held in Boone, Calmar, Cedar Falls, Chariton, Council Bluffs, Creston, Davenport, Forest City, Fort Dodge, Johnston, Marshalltown, Ottumwa, Peosta, Sac City, Sergeant Bluff, Sheldon, Solon, Spencer and West Burlington.

ICN location addresses are available online at www.iowadnr.gov/hunting.