Iowa opens more counties to bobcat hunting

DES MOINES - Hunters and trappers now have more places to hunt bobcats in the state.

A state legislative panel expanded the number of counties where it is legal to take the felines from 35 to 41, or just fewer than half of Iowa's 99 counties.

The additional six counties are Audubon, Crawford, Dallas, Iowa, Muscatine and Poweshiek.

“We're comfortable with the changes,” Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Research Supervisor Willie Suchy said.

In response to a question from state Sen. Mark Chelgren, R-Ottumwa, about controlling the balance between native and non-native Iowa species, Suchy said bobcats historically were part of the Iowa landscape.

“We try to find a balance to allow the population to be as natural as they can,” he said.

The new rule takes effect on Nov. 3.

The panel also decided Tuesday to create a year-round pigeon season.

Current law limits taking pigeons by firearms to between Oct. 31 and March 31. Suchy said the season was put in place “in the '70s” when pigeon racing was a relatively popular pastime in the state and breeders were concerned about their birds being shot out of the sky.

“Are there a lot of people that hunt pigeons?” asked Sen. Tom Courtney, D-Burlington.

Suchy said most that are shot are hit by accident by hunters aiming for other birds.

The practical effect of the extended season, DNR officials wrote in the background to the rule change, is “dove hunters will be able to shoot a pigeon while hunting doves.”

The year-round pigeon season begins Sept. 1.