Ahead of the start of waterfowl hunting season, there is a change in how the Iowa Department of Natural Resources wants hunters to use.

Greene County Recorder Deb McDonald explains the change in recording bird counts.

“We used to ask you the questions, ‘How many birds you bagged’ and ‘What kind of birds you shot?’ Well now you have to go to the DNR website, you have to complete the survey there. When you’re done with that, at the top of your license, you have to write in a (confirmation) number. If you don’t get that process done and you get checked by the DNR you could get a ticket for that.”

According to the DNR, hunters can write the confirmation number on their hunting license, print an updated copy of their license with the confirmation number, or take a screenshot of their confirmation on their phone to show proof of registration. The change is a federal requirement. Dove hunting season is September 1st-November 29th and teal season is September 1st-16th. 

You can contact McDonald at the recorder’s office in the Greene County Courthouse in Jefferson from 8am-4:30pm Monday through Friday or call 515-386-5670. You can also click the link below.

https://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/Migratory-Game-Birds?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery