Iowa Sportsmen's Caucus Passes Law Legalizing Dove Hunting

Friday, March 25 (Des Moines, IA) - The Iowa Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, led by Caucus Chairs, Sen. Dick Dearden and Rep. Rich Arnold, recently passed and Governor Terry Brandstad signed into law, legislation allowing dove hunting in Iowa.

“This is something that I’ve been very passionate about over the years and I’m glad this day has finally come,” said Dearden. “I think of the times that I’ve hunted with my sons and my grandson and my granddaughter and hopefully — if my oldest grandson gets going here — to have a great-grandchild to hunt with because I would like nothing more than to have four generations of us out hunting together.

Dove hunting has been illegal in Iowa for nearly a century, but this new law directs the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to set dates for a new dove season in Iowa. According to a state natural resources staff study, the economic impact of this law allowing dove hunting will attract approximately 20,000 dove hunters, create over 90 jobs and provide $6.9 million to the state and local economies.