ARC 9919C

ARC 9919C

NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION[571]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to salvage of fish and game
and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The Natural Resource Commission (Commission) hereby proposes to rescind Chapter 80, “Salvage of Fish and Game,” Iowa Administrative Code, and to adopt a new Chapter 80 with the same title.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code sections 481A.11, 481A.38 and 481A.39.

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code sections 481A.11, 481A.38 and 481A.39.

Purpose and Summary

    Proposed Chapter 80 establishes rules for the lawful salvage, distribution, and possession of fish and game that are either accidentally killed by motor vehicles, confiscated by authorities, or found dead. The proposed chapter ensures that salvaged resources are used appropriately (primarily for human consumption or animal feed) and not exploited for commercial gain or illegal purposes. The chapter also outlines procedures for collecting shed antlers and found-dead deer (“deadheads”) during different times of the year. This chapter has been reviewed and edited consistent with Executive Order 10.

Regulatory Analysis

    A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on September 3, 2025. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   September 23, 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

    This rulemaking is subject to the waiver provisions of 571—Chapter 11. 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.

Public Comment

    Any interested person may submit comments concerning this proposed rulemaking, which must be received by the Department of Natural Resources (Department) no later than 4:30 p.m. on February 11, 2026. 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 matt.bruner@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 matt.bruner@dnr.iowa.gov.

Public Hearing

    Public hearings at which persons may present their views orally will be held as follows:

    Persons who wish to attend a conference call should contact Captain Bruner via email. A conference call number will be provided prior to the hearing. Persons who wish to make oral comments at a conference call public hearing must submit a request to Captain Bruner prior to the hearing to facilitate an orderly hearing.

    Persons who wish to make oral comments at a 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 a 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 matt.bruner@dnr.iowa.gov or civilrights@dnr.iowa.gov or by telephone at 515.336.5456 at least seven days before the event.

    Asistencia lingüística gratuita: Si necesita ayuda en un idioma que no sea inglés, comuníquese con el Departamento al matt.bruner@dnr.iowa.gov o civilrights@dnr.iowa.gov o por teléfono a 515.336.5456 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.  Rescind 571—Chapter 80 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof:

CHAPTER 80

SALVAGE OF FISH AND GAME

571—80.1(481A) Salvage. Salvage authorizes the possession of confiscated fish or game or game accidentally killed by a motor vehicle on a public highway for the purpose of human consumption or the feeding of domestic animals. Any other benefits derived from the possession of legally salvaged game (such as legal sale of hides, plumage, or antlers) is a secondary benefit only. Peace officers are not to salvage game solely for the purpose of financial gain or commercial taxidermy.

    80.1(1) The following game when accidentally killed by a motor vehicle shall not be considered salvageable: spotted fawn deer and hen pheasants.

    80.1(2) All salvaged game or fish shall be accompanied with a salvage tag signed by the holder and a peace officer or designee of the director of the department of natural resources and shall be valid for the time period assigned on the tag. The salvage tag shall remain with the game or fish until the game or fish is consumed. All salvage tags referred to in this chapter are not transferable.

571—80.2(481A) Game killed by motor vehicle.

    80.2(1) Any person wanting to possess game accidentally killed by a motor vehicle on a highway shall immediately contact the nearest conservation officer, Iowa state trooper, sheriff’s department, or police department to request and receive a salvage tag prior to taking possession of said game. The whole carcass of the game animal must be removed from the scene.

    80.2(2) When a request is made for game accidentally killed by a motor vehicle, the game shall, when salvageable, be disposed of in accordance with the following priorities:

    a.  Individuals involved in the accident;

    b.  Public institutions;

    c.  Nonprofit organizations;

    d.  Others.

571—80.3(481A) Confiscated fish or game.

    80.3(1) The following conditions shall apply to a person being allowed to take possession of fish or game confiscated by the department of natural resources or a court.

    80.3(2) Confiscated fish or game, when salvageable, shall be disposed of in accordance with the following priorities:

    a.  Public institutions.

    b.  Nonprofit organizations.

    c.  Others.

571—80.4(481A) Deadheads and shed-antlers.

    80.4(1) Naturally shed deer antlers may be collected and possessed at any time of year.

    80.4(2) Found-dead deer heads with attached antlers, also known as deadheads, may be collected and possessed by individuals who possess a valid hunting license and have paid the habitat fee pursuant to Iowa Code section 483A.1 unless exempt under Iowa Code section 483A.24(1) or 483A.24(8). Collection is permitted during the following time periods under the following conditions:

    a.  February 1 through July 31: an individual must electronically complete and submit a deadhead report and possession authorization through the department’s website prior to collecting and possessing each deadhead.

    b.  August 1 through January 31: an individual must contact the local conservation officer and request a physical deadhead tag prior to taking possession. Verbal or electronic authorization from a conservation officer is sufficient for temporary possession until a physical tag can be issued and affixed by a conservation officer.

    80.4(3) This rule does not apply to deer that have been shot or killed by unlawful methods or means.

These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code sections 481A.11, 481A.38, and 481A.39.