World Class Walleye Production
Iowa is considered a national leader for its innovative walleye hatchery research, and currently produces and stocks around 150 million walleyes annually across the state. These stockings have produced premier walleye fisheries in lakes and interior streams.
Brown Trout Explosion
Brown trout have a self-sustaining population in 34 northeast Iowa streams. In fact, wild brown trout are now the source of DNR hatchery eggs, eliminating the need for domestic browns at hatcheries. The number of self-sustaining streams is partly due to partnerships with private landowners who improved water quality through land practices.
Turkey Turn-around
Wild turkeys were nonexistent in Iowa until 1966 when the DNR released eastern wild turkeys in areas of southern Iowa with good turkey habitat. As populations began to flourish, the DNR trapped and relocated turkeys to similar habitat areas around the state. Today, Iowa has an excellent turkey population and 50,000 turkey hunters who passionately pursue this elusive game each spring and fall.
Wildlife Restoration
Iowa is home to several wildlife restoration successes. From 16 river otters released at Lake Red Rock in the 1980s, river otters can now be found in every county, thanks to help from fur-harvesters who helped trap and move animals.
The deer population in 1936 had dwindled to only 500 and 700 statewide. Managing the deer herd through habitat and regulation has been key to bringing back this trophy animal, making Iowa a destination state for deer hunters. Other species restored to Iowa include trumpeter swans, peregrine falcons, and giant Canada geese.
Lake Restoration
Lakes with decent water quality contribute to a higher quality of life, local economic development and increased property values. To date, Iowa has completed seven lake restoration projects, with 26 more underway and 11 in the planning stages. License dollars are leveraged through habitat development and improved access on these lakes. Iowa anglers experience excellent fishing within two to three years of completion of these projects, with benefits lasting at least 50 years.
Fish and Game Trust Fund Report - FY11
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FY11 Report Appendix
Fish and Game Trust Fund Report - FY10
Boat Fee Revenues and Expenditures FY12