ARC 9595C

ARC 9595C

NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION[571]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to wild furbearer trapping and hunting
and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The Natural Resource Commission (Commission) hereby proposes to amend Chapter 108, “Wild Furbearer Trapping and Hunting,” Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code sections 481A.6, 481A.38, 481A.39, 481A.87, 481A.90 and 481A.92.

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code sections 481A.6, 481A.38, 481A.39, 481A.87, 481A.90 and 481A.92.

Purpose and Summary

    Chapter 108 sets the season dates, bag limits, possession limits, and areas open to hunting or trapping furbearers. This rulemaking proposes two amendments. One amendment corrects an error that was the result of a multispecies consolidation of several chapters under a prior rulemaking. The other amendment ensures consistent style and formatting throughout the chapter.

Regulatory Analysis

    A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on July 23, 2025. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   August 12, 2025

Fiscal Impact

     This rulemaking has no fiscal impact to the State of Iowa.

Jobs Impact

    After analysis and review of this rulemaking, no impact on jobs has been found.

Waivers

    Any person who believes that the application of the discretionary provisions of this rulemaking would result in hardship or injustice to that person may petition the Commission for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any, pursuant to 571—Chapter 11.

Public Comment

    Any interested person may submit written or oral comments concerning this proposed rulemaking, which must be received by the Department of Natural Resources (Department) no later than 4:30 p.m. on November 4, 2025. Comments should be directed to:

    Free language assistance: If you speak a non-English language, the Department offers language assistance services free of charge. Contact the Department at chris.ensminger@dnr.iowa.gov.

    Servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística: Si habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, los servicios de asistencia lingüística están disponibles de forma gratuita. Comuníquese con el Departamento al chris.ensminger@dnr.iowa.gov.

Public Hearing

     A public hearing at which persons may present their views orally or in writing will be held as follows:

    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 rulemaking.

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

    Free Language Assistance: If you need assistance in a language other than English, contact the Department at chris.ensminger@dnr.iowa.gov or civilrights@dnr.iowa.gov or by telephone at 515.250.6886 at least seven days before the event.

    Servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística: Si necesita ayuda en un idioma que no sea inglés, comuníquese con el Departamento al chris.ensminger@dnr.iowa.gov o civilrights@dnr.iowa.gov o por teléfono a 515.250.6886 al menos siete días antes del evento.

Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee

    The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rulemaking by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rulemaking 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).

    The following rulemaking action is proposed:

    ITEM 1.  Amend rule 571—108.1(481A), introductory paragraph, as follows:

571—108.1(481A) Badger, opossum, striped skunk, red fox, gray fox, mink, muskrat and weasel. Open season for the taking of mink, muskrat and weasel shall be from 8 a.m. on the first Saturday in November through February 28 of the succeeding year. Entire state open. No daily bag or possession limit.

    ITEM 2.  Amend rule 571—108.4(481A) as follows:

571—108.4(481A) Beaver. Open season for the taking of beaver shall be from 8 a.m. on the first Saturday in November through April 15 of the succeeding year. No daily bag or possession limit.