If I read it right, I believe that this law allows carry permit holders to carry a handgun while bowhunting (they just can't use it to shoot the deer) Current law prohibits lawful carry while bowhunting, even if you have a permit.
That rule is set forth here:
106.7(6) Prohibited weapons and devices. The use of dogs, domestic animals, bait, rifles other than muzzleloaded or as provided in 106.7(5), handguns except as provided in 106.7(3), crossbows except as provided in 106.7(1), automobiles, aircraft, or any mechanical conveyance or device, including electronic calls, is prohibited, except that paraplegics and single or double amputees of the legs may hunt from any stationary motor-driven land conveyance. “Bait” means grain, fruit, vegetables, nuts, hay, salt, mineral blocks, or any other natural food materials; commercial products containing natural food materials; or by-products of such materials transported to or placed in an area for the intent of attracting wildlife. Bait does not include food placed during normal agricultural activities. “Paraplegic” means an individual with paralysis of the lower half of the body with involvement of both legs, usually due to disease of or injury to the spinal cord. It shall be unlawful for a person, while hunting deer, to carry or have in possession a rifle except as provided in 106.7(3) and 106.7(5).
It shall be unlawful for a person hunting with a bow license to carry a handgun unless that person also has a valid deer hunting license and an unfilled transportation tag that permits a handgun to be used to take deer.
This is a portion of the Iowa Administrative Code made by the Natural Resources Commission and not covered under current or the proposed legislation.
The link to the NRC Administrative Code is here:
https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ACO/chapter/571.106.pdf
Bottom line the proposed bill (SF 2026) would not effect NRC Administrative Code. If we wanted this changed it would be through petitioning the NRC and then goig through that process.
