ARC 6948C

ARC 6948C

NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION[571]

Amended Notice of Intended Action

Providing for a public hearing on rule making related to furbearer hunting and trapping

The Notice of Intended Action published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on January 11, 2023, as ARC 6815Cproposes to amend Chapter 108, "Mink, Muskrat, Raccoon, Badger, Opossum, Weasel, Striped Skunk, Fox (Red and Gray), Beaver, Coyote, River Otter, Bobcat, Gray (Timber) Wolf and Spotted Skunk Seasons," Iowa Administrative Code. In order to receive oral comments concerning ARC 6815C, the Natural Resource Commission hereby gives notice that a public hearing will be held as follows:

Persons who wish to attend the conference call should contact Chris Ensminger, wildlife research supervisor, via email at chris.ensminger@dnr.iowa.gov. A conference call number will be provided prior to the hearing. Persons who wish to make oral comments at the conference call public hearing must submit a request to Mr. Ensminger prior to the hearing to facilitate an orderly hearing.

Persons who wish to make oral comments at the public hearing will be asked to state their names for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of this proposed rule making.

Any persons who intend to attend the public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing impairments, should contact the Department and advise of specific needs.

Legal Authority for Rule Making

This rule making is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code sections 455A.5(6)"a," 481A.38, 481A.39 and 481A.87.

State or Federal Law Implemented

This rule making implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code section 481A.87.

Purpose and Summary

Chapter 108 sets the season dates, bag limits, possession limits, and areas open to hunting or trapping furbearers. The rule making proposes to extend the regular furharvest season by one month. The season will end on the last day of February (February 28), rather than the last day of January (January 31). The rule making also proposes a continuous open season statewide for raccoon hunting and trapping. The proposed amendment is biologically responsible, as required by law. It will also increase recreational opportunities for Iowa fur harvesters while reducing negative social issues associated with high raccoon and other furbearer densities.

The Commission is publishing this Amended Notice of Intended Action to schedule a second public hearing.

Fiscal Impact, Jobs Impact, Waivers

Statements related to the fiscal impact, jobs impact, and waiver of this rule making may be found in the preamble of ARC 6815C.

Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee

The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rule making by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rule making at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee's meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6).