ARC 2087C

ARC 2087C

NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION[571]

Adopted and Filed

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code sections 455A.5(6), 481A.38, 481A.39, and 481A.48, the Natural Resource Commission hereby amends 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 adopted amendment increases the possession limits for common snipe, Virginia rail and sora, woodcock and doves and is consistent with the 2015-2016 federal regulations on possession limits for these species.

Notice of Intended Action was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on June 10, 2015, as ARC 2032C. A public hearing was held on June 30, 2015. One written comment was received requesting that the Eurasian-collared dove be removed from the mourning dove season dates, bag limits and possession limits. No changes from the Notice were made.

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

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

This amendment shall become effective September 9, 2015.

The following amendment is adopted.

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.

[Filed 7/17/15, effective 9/9/15]

[Published 8/5/15]

Editor's Note: For replacement pages for IAC, see IAC Supplement 8/5/15.