Your Legacy

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FISHING | HUNTING | TRAPPING

Fishing, hunting and trapping are rich Iowa traditions. Many Iowans have lifelong memories enjoying Iowa's outdoors in the field or on the water with family and friends. Those experiences are directly connected to the quality of Iowa's habitat and water resources, and made possible by an investment in wildlife and fisheries management.

Who makes that investment?
You - the license buyer.

Where Do Your License Dollars Go?
One hundred percent of license fees go directly to the Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund, which is managed by the Iowa DNR and spent exclusively for fish and wildlife-related research, education, management and expansion of opportunities in Iowa. The fund is constitutionally protected so license dollars cannot pay for other state programs.

How Do You Benefit?
Your license dollars are directly reinvested to ensure Iowa maintains its strong outdoor traditions. As examples, the daily operations of Iowa fish hatcheries, pheasant research, and conservation officer protection could not be possible without your license dollars. Just as importantly, thousands of wildlife programs, lake improvements, land purchases and research projects have been funded by you and your fellow sportsmen and women.

The Future of Hunting, Fishing and Trapping in Iowa
As we look toward the future, we need your help to determine the priorities for fishing, hunting and trapping in Iowa. How do you want your license dollars invested? How do we convince more hunters and anglers to take to the field? Where will our state be in 20 years? They are your license dollars, your legacy. You can help determine the future of these rich Iowa traditions.

Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Report 2012
Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Report 2010

Your Dollars at Work

Legacy Presentation
Legacy Factsheet

Your License Dollars at Work: Success Stories

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
- FY11 Report Appendix

Fish and Game Trust Fund Report - FY10
Boat Fee Revenues and Expenditures FY12