- Deleted by Sligh1
In case some of you need help with an email to send all of the Iowa Senators, here is one that I put together with the information that Skip provided. Its not the best, but I still wasn't all the way awake when composing it this morning...lol
Good Morning Senator,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my concern on fully supporting SF 422 and OPPOSING S-3055 in regarding the ongoing issue with non-resident (NR) hunters and the impact it is having on both our land access and hunting opportunities.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust you will make the right decision in prioritizing the needs of residents and voters.
Sincerely,
John Stewart
Unionville Iowa Resident
Good Morning Senator,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my concern on fully supporting SF 422 and OPPOSING S-3055 in regarding the ongoing issue with non-resident (NR) hunters and the impact it is having on both our land access and hunting opportunities.
- Land Prices and Access: Over the last several months, ground prices were actually coming down to a point where residents could afford to purchase land. However, with NR hunters increasing their presence, especially in large numbers, the land is being scooped up once again by non-residents, making it harder for residents to have access to hunting grounds.
- Tag Sharing Abuse: The practice of tag sharing has been exploited by outfitters and NR hunters across the state. As anyone in enforcement will tell you, tag abuse has become an enforcement nightmare. This widespread abuse has made it difficult for law-abiding hunters to compete, and it’s undermining the integrity of our hunting system.
- Residents' Struggles: The voters and residents of this state simply do not support NR party hunting. Residents are already struggling to access land and are having a very hard time competing with NR hunters for tags and territory. In fact, lack of access to land is the #1 reason residents are quitting hunting altogether.
- Non-Resident Doe Tags: A staggering 95% of NR hunters do not even fill their doe tags. This raises serious questions about the sustainability of NR hunting practices and whether they are in line with the interests of the state and its residents.
- Prioritize Residents: It is essential that we prioritize residents, voters, and taxpayers who support this state 365 days a year. Our interests must come first, and it's crucial that our needs for land access and hunting opportunities are addressed before catering to non-residents.
- Outfitters' Impact on Access: Outfitters are taking advantage of the situation by leasing up thousands of acres of land, displacing resident hunters, and only allowing NR hunters to shoot bucks. In a state with less than 8% timber and the least amount of public land in the country, we simply cannot afford to allow further expansion of NR hunting.
- Keep NR Party Hunting Out: Since NR hunters started selling their land six months ago, we have seen an immediate relief in ground prices and access. We urge you to stand with residents and voters by keeping NR party hunting out of the picture. Your support is crucial in ensuring that the interests of residents are prioritized.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust you will make the right decision in prioritizing the needs of residents and voters.
Sincerely,
John Stewart
Unionville Iowa Resident