Iowa

Iowa may be known for its cornfields and wrestling, but don’t let that fool you – the Hawkeye State is a hidden gem for hunters and anglers. The rolling hills, rivers, and lakes of Iowa offer a wide variety of game and fish species, making it a prime destination for any outdoor enthusiast. Anglers in Iowa can cast a line for a variety of popular fish, including brown trout, bass, walleye, and catfish. From the mighty Mississippi River to the clear waters of the Iowa Great Lakes, the state’s many waterways offer something for every type of fisherman. Hunters in Iowa can pursue world class white-tailed deer, turkey, pheasant, and waterfowl hunting opportunities in its vast woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. The state’s hunting culture runs deep, with generations of Iowans passing down their love of the hunt from one generation to the next.

For more information on the elected officials protecting and promoting the sportsmen’s traditions in Iowa, please contact: Jake Gould

Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus

Senator Joni Ernst Representative Randy Feenstra Senator Charles Grassley Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks

Iowa Governors Sportsmen's Caucus Member

Governor Kim Reynolds

Iowa Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus Leadership

Representative Steven Bradley Senator Lynn Evans Senator Izaah Knox Representative J.D. Scholten
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Iowa Policy Briefs

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Straight-Walled Rifle Cartridges

Over the past decade, several states have introduced regulations allowing these cartridges, which provide effective, safe hunting options in densely populated zones. Straight-walled cartridges are… Read more.

Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)

In recent years, Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) use has increased rapidly across the country.The unmitigated consequences of such growth not only threatens the environmental health… Read more.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a progressive, fatal, degenerative neurological disease occurring in farmed and free-ranging deer, elk, caribou, and moose. The disease was first… Read more.

Iowa Latest News

May 18, 2026

Final Legislative Sessions Adjourn in the Great Plains 

Why it Matters: Legislative sessions in Iowa and Nebraska have adjourned for 2026, closing out the last active sessions in the Great Plains Region. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation was active in both states, working with legislators on introducing, and defeating, legislation that would have impacted sportsmen and women.   Highlights:  Iowa legislators introduced their fair share of sportsmen and women related bills this year, and many […]

Buck in the snow in the woods
February 17, 2026

Drone-Assisted Game Recovery Legislation Introduced in the Great Plains

Why It Matters: Drone technologies present an opportunity for lawful hunters to minimize harvest loss and increase recovery rates. Recognizing this, states like Iowa and South Dakota have introduced legislation to allow the use of drones to recover mortally wounded game, which the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) has been active in supporting. Highlights: The Congressional…

Fisherman near shore fishing at sunset
February 2, 2026

Two CSF Legislative Priorities Introduced in the Great Plains

Why It Matters: The Great Plains region saw two Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) legislative priorities introduced last week in Kansas and Iowa, respectively. The Kansas bill would ensure that the state’s fish and wildlife agency is reimbursed for revenue that is lost from free and discounted licenses, while the Iowa bill would encourage political participation by hunters and anglers through voter registration. …

Hunter with dog in field
January 26, 2026

Early Legislative Action Signals a Busy Year for Sportsmen in the Great Plains

Why It Matters: The 2026 legislative session is off to a hot start in the Great Plains, with legislation impacting sportsmen and women already on the move. Some states have CSF priority legislation that is carried over from the 2025 legislative session in addition to new legislation that was introduced in 2026.   Highlights:  Iowa Senate Joint Resolution 7 (SJR 7) is a proposed constitutional amendment for…

Impact You Can See

Critical investments in conservation were protected and/or enhanced in IA, LA, MD, MS, MT, NM, and SD.