William Petroski

bpetrosk@dmreg.com

Hunting blinds and tree stands on public lands would be required to have a metal identification tag with the owner's name and address under a bill approved Wednesday by an Iowa Senate subcommittee.

Senate File 2003 was proposed by Sen. David Johnson, R-Ocheyedan, who said it was requested by Clay County conservation officials. The bill originally applied only to deer hunting, but it was amended to include all types of hunting blinds and tree stands on public property. Lawmakers also agreed to strike a provision that the tag include a hunting license number.

Lobbyists from several hunting and outdoor groups said they were either neutral or expressed no objections to the proposal. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is officially undecided on the bill, although two DNR representatives attended the subcommittee meeting to provide advice. The bill now advances to the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee.

Hunters are allowed to maintain tree stands on public lands in Iowa during a period that begins seven days before hunting season and ends seven days after hunting season. A hunting blind on public property can be erected at midnight but must be removed by sunset. Officials said the identification requirement would be similar to rules for traps and for bank lines used for fishing.