Outside Iowa: Waterfowl zone reconstruction proposal

A good friend and fellow waterfowler is leading the charge to reconstruct the Iowa Waterfowl zones.  Below are his thoughts on how we can accomplish this.  Ladies and Gentlemen: Jeff Gudenkauf.

It seems to be a consensus among most longtime Iowa waterfowlers that the quality of duck and goose hunting in the state has been on a steady decline in recent years.  There are a number of theories as to why, most of which are uncontrollable elements:  shift in flyway patterns due to habitat issues, available waste grain, weather patterns, drought cycles, hunting pressure, etc.   

While we cannot realistically challenge these issues either due to monetary constraints or simple inability to control them, as a state we have the ability to adapt to changing migration patterns by adopting progressive rezoning efforts allowed by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS).  

For the first time, the state of Iowa has the option of adding a third waterfowl zone in the state while being able to maintain a split structure in each zone allowing us to keep the 5-day September early season that so many hunters enjoy.  However, our state DNR has not proposed any real changes for the upcoming season to take advantage of this opportunity.  We need to work together in encouraging them to do so.

Many of Iowa’s waterfowlers have proposed a plan that takes advantage of the option given by the USFWS, which would allow hunters in specified regions of the state to take advantage of late season opportunities.  There are many factors why this third zone proposal is needed and must be supported by waterfowlers and official across the state.

The current North and South zone duck seasons end near the first and second week of December respectively.  Not only do the DNR waterfowl surveys show there are still significant amounts of ducks in the state, but there are also HUGE numbers of fowl in areas where the DNR does not currently survey: the Missouri River, the Des Moines River, the Des Moines urban area, the Cedar River, the Waterloo/CF urban area, the Cedar Rapids urban area, SE Iowa along the Mississippi, etc. These areas all maintain open water much later into the year when compared to other traditional hunting areas. Yet, they offer excellent hunting opportunities that hunters cannot currently take advantage of because the seasons are closed. This needs to change!

Courtesy of the USFWS, Iowa waterfowlers have enjoyed liberal seasons, (60 day duck seasons) for well over a decade. Adapting a three-zone structure gives us greater flexibility to adjust start and end dates to maximize hunter time in the field, including the alignment of season dates based on when the birds are actually in or traveling through those zones which will be crucial if the USFWS adapts a shorter season framework during their annual reviews.

By expanding and redirecting the seasons to better accommodate the change in migration habits, Iowa’s waterfowlers will be able to enjoy the seasons as they were meant to be experienced for the maximum days in the field allowed. This in turn will result in more money spent on the sport, which only betters Iowa’s economy.  

This third zone option will benefit Iowa’s waterfowlers should the Iowa DNR choose to implement it.  To access the third “late season” zone requires relatively short travel for most hunters who desire to chase huge numbers of late season ducks and geese in late season conditions.  

We can’t lose with this reconstruction, but we need to come together and support it.  Contact your local representatives and DNR officials and let them know you support these changes and help redirect Iowa’s changing waterfowl opportunities.   

Send emails to the following addresses:

• Conrad.lement@dnr.iowa.gov
• Greg.drees@dnr.iowa.gov
• Kim.francisco@dnr.iowa.gov
• Sally.prickett@dnr.iowa.gov
• Janelle.rettig@dnr.iowa.gov
• Dennis.schemmel@dnr.iowa.gov
• Margo.underwood@dnr.iowa.gov
• Roger.lande@dnr.iowa.gov.

If you have any questions regarding the zone proposal outlined above or support the plan, contact Jeff Gudenkauf by e-mailing  gudey@hotmail.com or Thomas Allen,  tha481@gmail.com

Live It Up!

Thomas resides with his wife and two children in Guthrie Center, Iowa.  He is a professional outdoor writer, photographer, videographer, and outdoor talk radio show host; for more information visit  www.allen.bowhuntingroad.com