News Releases

Iowa DNR is postponing the trout stockings scheduled for tomorrow and Friday in Sioux City, Fort Dodge and Council Bluffs due to extreme cold and wind.

January 21, 2026

A young girl holding a trout she caught through the ice at a community trout stocking event

Fishing - Uncommon Fish

News Release

Missouri and Big Sioux rivers paddlefish fishing season opens Feb. 1 2026

The paddlefish snagging season on the Missouri and Big Sioux rivers opens Feb. 1 and goes through April 30 (sunrise to sunset).

January 20, 2026

News - Featured

Hunting

News Release

DNR sets public meetings to recap hunting, trapping seasons, discuss possible rule changes

Iowa (DNR) is hosting a series of town hall-style meetings where local staff will provide updates on recently completed hunting and trapping seasons.

January 20, 2026

A simple image of a microphone at the front of a busy conference room.

Iowa's Wildlife

News - Featured

News Release

Chickadee tax check-off donations rise while donor numbers continue to decline

Last year, more than 4,600 Iowa taxpayers helped boost wildlife conservation with donations to the Fish and Wildlife Fund on their state tax form.

January 20, 2026

Environmental Protection Commission

Events & Public Meetings

Environmental Protection Commission meeting agenda, published 01/15/2026

The Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will have their monthly business meeting January 20.

January 15, 2026

Enforcement Actions

News Release

DNR enforcement actions, published 01/15/2026

DNR staff work with individuals, businesses and communities to help them protect our natural resources by complying with state and federal laws.

January 15, 2026

General

News Release

Annual road closure south of Hawkeye Wildlife Area begins Feb. 1

James Ave & Swan Lake Rd (south of Hawkeye Wildlife Area) closed Feb 1 - Apr 1. Impacts James Ave north of Swan Lake Rd and Swan Lake Rd west of Greencastle.

January 15, 2026

News - Featured

Hunting

Fishing

News Release

Outdoor Notes - Jan. 13, 2026

New year, new license. Iowa’s 2025 hunting and fishing licenses expired on January 10. Licenses are available at 650 locations across the state and online.

January 13, 2026

Hunting

News - Featured

News Release

Iowa’s deer hunting shifts to late season mode

Iowa's two January antlerless deer seasons, Population Management and Excess Tag, run Jan. 11-25 with differences.

January 9, 2026

Water Summary Update

News Release

Water Summary Update: 2025 drought conditions vary significantly throughout the year

Drought conditions improved in the summer months across the state but then degraded again with a dry fall, according to the latest Water Summary Update.

January 8, 2026