Hey everyone, I have been reading this over and here are my thoughts on the matter. I am a NRLO in Iowa and have close to 1250 acres. Throughout the years I have invested hundreds of thousands in the community, and help the local farmers and neighbors as if I wasn't a NR. That being said, why is it such an outrage to want 1-2 buck tags a year to hunt my land? I'm not going to split it up for a money grab, as some people are stating. Iowa is a great state and I enjoy all the time spent in the field with friends and family making memories. It's a shame that this is even a discussion, but this bill provides a little hope.
As for Governor's tags, I have gotten one before and you cannot get one every year. It needs to be approved, and many of these tags are also given to people that can promote Iowa hunting, increasing the amount of money given to the state of Iowa. For NRs applying for tags all year (Bow, Gun, Turkey), the cost can reach over $500 or more. Many of my NR friends that apply for Iowa tags, do NOT want a tag every year and agree with following the process and waiting to be awarded in the draw. All I want is to be able to deer hunt my land each year. Iowa residents can receive multiple buck tags for each season each year, so 1-2 a year for a NRLO is far less.
A little information on deer populations and waste I have seen first hand by residents as well. Some of my property borders public land, and each year during gun season, there are dozens of people that line up and drive the public land. I have seen them come back with everything from button bucks, to basket 6's, as well as a few Iowa giants. Typically I'll walk my property after some of these and find multiple deer dead in the woods that have suffered and are wasted. I live in NJ and as in Iowa, drives are a part of the culture, but that does not make them right. Perhaps this should be discussed more and teach the younger generation there are other ways to hunt and be successful.
In the end, it isn't up to any of us on this forum to decide the law or pass this bill. Most of the chatter on this site has been healthy banter, but I truly hope it does go through. Wanting to spend additional time in the woods on my property hunting has been my wish for years, and this bill may be my chance. Have a good evening everyone and happy hunting. Turkey season is right around the corner, but I may not get a tag in that draw either.
