blake
Life Member
FROM The Iowa DNR:
Vilsack Talks Pheasant
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack is the keynote speaker this weekend at the National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic in Minneapolis. His appearance comes as the national non-profit organization works to address tremendous loss of grassland habitat in the last few years and with prospects for the next Farm Bill still up in the air. More information is available at www.PheasantFest.org.
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The walleye season at Iowa’s Great Lakes closes Feb. 15, and reopens at 12 a.m., May 4. Walleyes caught during the closed season at East Okoboji, West Okoboji and Big Spirit lakes must be immediately released unharmed.
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Memorial Day weekend is closer than you think. Campsite reservations for the popular holiday begin Feb. 24, for a May 24 arrival. Campsites can be viewed and reserved online at http://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/. Iowa’s state parks hosted nearly 710,000 camper nights in 2012, and if the weather cooperates, 2013 could be equally busy.
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The deadline to remove permanent ice fishing shelters from state owned land and water is Feb. 20, or ice melt, whichever comes first. Shelter owners are encouraged to not wait until the last minute to remove their structures, to avoid deteriorating ice conditions.
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The 16th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count will be held Feb. 15-18, and anyone can participate. Simply watch birds at your feeders, or any location you wish, count the number of birds for each species you see in 15 minutes and report the results on online at www.BirdCount.org. Yes, you can conduct surveys at multiple locations. Click on how to participate at www.BirdCount.org for more information.
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Looking for hunting opportunities? Iowa’s crow season is open until March 31. The special conservation order to hunt white and blue phase snow geese and Ross’ geese is open until April 15 statewide. There are additional regulations that apply. Trapping season for beavers is open until April 15. Coyote hunting has a continuous open season.
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Hunter education classes are being held across the state ahead of the spring turkey season. To find a class, go to https://www.iowadnr.gov/training. Early registration is encouraged as class sizes are limited.
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Ice in central Iowa is becoming unpredictable after a series of temperature swings from mild to cold and back to mild, wind and rain. If going out, use extra caution and test the ice often. Bring safety equipment – 50 feet of rope, a throwable floatation device and ice picks.
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Visit the Iowa DNR’s Facebook pagewww.facebook.com/iowadnrfor more outdoors discussion and photos.
Vilsack Talks Pheasant
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack is the keynote speaker this weekend at the National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic in Minneapolis. His appearance comes as the national non-profit organization works to address tremendous loss of grassland habitat in the last few years and with prospects for the next Farm Bill still up in the air. More information is available at www.PheasantFest.org.
*
The walleye season at Iowa’s Great Lakes closes Feb. 15, and reopens at 12 a.m., May 4. Walleyes caught during the closed season at East Okoboji, West Okoboji and Big Spirit lakes must be immediately released unharmed.
*
Memorial Day weekend is closer than you think. Campsite reservations for the popular holiday begin Feb. 24, for a May 24 arrival. Campsites can be viewed and reserved online at http://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/. Iowa’s state parks hosted nearly 710,000 camper nights in 2012, and if the weather cooperates, 2013 could be equally busy.
*
The deadline to remove permanent ice fishing shelters from state owned land and water is Feb. 20, or ice melt, whichever comes first. Shelter owners are encouraged to not wait until the last minute to remove their structures, to avoid deteriorating ice conditions.
*
The 16th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count will be held Feb. 15-18, and anyone can participate. Simply watch birds at your feeders, or any location you wish, count the number of birds for each species you see in 15 minutes and report the results on online at www.BirdCount.org. Yes, you can conduct surveys at multiple locations. Click on how to participate at www.BirdCount.org for more information.
*
Looking for hunting opportunities? Iowa’s crow season is open until March 31. The special conservation order to hunt white and blue phase snow geese and Ross’ geese is open until April 15 statewide. There are additional regulations that apply. Trapping season for beavers is open until April 15. Coyote hunting has a continuous open season.
*
Hunter education classes are being held across the state ahead of the spring turkey season. To find a class, go to https://www.iowadnr.gov/training. Early registration is encouraged as class sizes are limited.
*
Ice in central Iowa is becoming unpredictable after a series of temperature swings from mild to cold and back to mild, wind and rain. If going out, use extra caution and test the ice often. Bring safety equipment – 50 feet of rope, a throwable floatation device and ice picks.
*
Visit the Iowa DNR’s Facebook pagewww.facebook.com/iowadnrfor more outdoors discussion and photos.