The bill amends existing laws regarding deer depredation in Iowa by allowing the Department of Natural Resources to issue both depredation permits and deer shooting permits to landowners who experience significant damage (over $1,000) to crops, horticultural products, trees, or nurseries caused by wild animals. This change aims to provide landowners with more options to manage wildlife-related damage effectively.

Additionally, the bill establishes an annual deer depredation season from January 11 through January 31. During this period, individuals holding a valid depredation license and tag or deer shooting permit can hunt deer using various methods, including rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, crossbows, or bows, as specified by the Department of Natural Resources. This new provision is intended to help mitigate the impact of deer on agricultural lands while ensuring that hunting practices are regulated.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 481C.2, 481C.2A