ARC 2032C

ARC 2032C

NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION[571]

Notice of Intended Action

Twenty-five interested persons, a governmental subdivision, an agency or association of 25 or more persons may demand an oral presentation hereon as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.4(1)"b."

Notice is also given to the public that the Administrative Rules Review Committee may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this proposed action under section 17A.8(6) at a regular or special meeting where the public or interested persons may be heard.

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code sections 455A.5(6), 481A.38, 481A.39, and 481A.48, the Natural Resource Commission hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 97, "Common Snipe, Virginia Rail and Sora, Woodcock, Ruffed Grouse and Dove Hunting Seasons," Iowa Administrative Code.

Chapter 97 contains the season dates, bag limits, possession limits, shooting hours, and areas open to hunting for the above-listed species. The proposed amendment increases the possession limits for common snipe, Virginia rail and sora, woodcock and doves to comply with the 2015-2016 federal regulations on possession limits for these species as anticipated by the Department of Natural Resources, based upon meetings with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) this year at the Mississippi Flyway Council. The final USFWS regulations are not published until July, yet the season begins in September. Therefore, the Department is obligated to begin the rule-making process before the final parameters have been set.

Any interested person may make written suggestions or comments on the proposed amendment on or before June 30, 2015. Written comments may be directed to Dale Garner, Wildlife Bureau Chief, Department of Natural Resources, Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0034; by e-mail to wildlife@dnr.iowa.gov; or by fax to (515)725-8202. Persons who wish to convey their comments orally may contact the Department's Wildlife Bureau at (515)725-8200 or by visiting the fourth floor of the Wallace State Office Building during regular business hours.

There will be a public hearing on June 30, 2015, at 2 p.m. in the third floor conference room of the Wallace State Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa. At the public hearing, persons may present their views either orally or in writing. Participants will be asked to give their names and addresses for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of the amendment.

Any persons who intend to attend the public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the Department and request specific accommodations.

After analysis and review of this rule making, there will not be an impact on jobs in the state since the amendment only adjusts possession limits.

This amendment is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 481A.38, 481A.39, and 481A.48.

The following amendment is proposed.

Amend rules 571—97.1(481A) to 571—97.3(481A) and 571—97.6(481A) as follows:

571—97.1(481A) Common snipe season. Open season for hunting common snipe shall be from the first Saturday in September through November 30. Shooting hours shall be from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset each day. Daily bag limit 8 birds; possession limit 16 24 birds. Entire state open.

571—97.2(481A) Virginia rail and sora season. Open season for hunting Virginia rail and sora shall be from the first Saturday in September and continue for 70 consecutive days. Shooting hours shall be from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset each day. Daily bag limit 12 and possession limit 24 36 in aggregate of both species. Entire state open.

571—97.3(481A) Woodcock season. Open season for hunting woodcock shall be from the first Saturday in October and continue for 45 consecutive days. Shooting hours shall be from sunrise to sunset each day. Daily bag limit 3; possession limit 6 9. Entire state open.

571—97.6(481A) Dove season. Open season for hunting mourning doves and Eurasian collared-doves shall begin on September 1 and continue for 70 consecutive days. Shooting hours shall be from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset each day. Daily bag limit is 15; possession limit is 30 45. The entire state is open.