A bill for an act relating to hunting seasons during which a nonambulatory hunter may use certain firearms with a specifically issued deer hunting license.(See HF 646.)
Summary
HF 205 amends Iowa’s deer hunting laws for nonambulatory residents who qualify for a specially issued deer hunting license. Under current law, these hunters may use a shotgun, muzzleloading rifle, or certain handguns or rifles during any established deer hunting season. The bill narrows that authority so the license may be used only during an established firearm deer season, rather than during all deer seasons.
The bill also retains the existing eligibility framework: the applicant must be a resident, must be certified as nonambulatory by a physician on a form required by rule, and may use the license to take one any-sex deer. If the tag is filled during one season, the license cannot be used in later seasons. The bill’s practical effect is to reduce the seasons in which disabled hunters may participate with these firearms under this license category.
Impact
HF 205 would amend Iowa Code section 483A.8C to limit when a nonambulatory resident may use a shotgun, muzzleloading rifle, or certain handguns or rifles under an any-sex deer hunting license. The change would shift the license from being valid during any established deer hunting season to being valid only during firearm deer season, affecting disabled hunters who rely on this accommodation and the Department of Natural Resources’ administration of deer licenses and season rules. The bill was reported out of the House Committee on Natural Resources and later renumbered as HF 646.
Sentiment
The committee vote suggests the bill had majority support but was not unanimous, passing the House Committee on Natural Resources 13-8. That pattern indicates generally favorable treatment in committee, while also showing meaningful opposition or concern among some members. No committee transcript was provided, so the available record shows the vote outcome but not detailed debate.
Contention
The main point of contention is the bill’s restriction of hunting access for nonambulatory hunters. Supporters likely view the change as a season-specific limitation tied to firearm deer management, while opponents may see it as unnecessarily narrowing an existing accommodation for disabled residents. The split committee vote indicates disagreement over whether the current broader season access should remain in place or be reduced to firearm deer season only.
Similar To
A bill for an act relating to hunting seasons during which a nonambulatory hunter may use certain firearms with a specifically issued deer hunting license.(Formerly HF 205.)
A bill for an act relating to hunting seasons during which a nonambulatory hunter may use certain firearms with a specifically issued deer hunting license.(Formerly HF 205.)