Lead shot will be allowed in Iowa dove hunt

DES MOINES – Hunters will be allowed to use lead shot to hunt mourning doves in Iowa when a new season opens Sept. 1.

Members of the Legislature's Administrative Rules Review Committee voted 9-1 today to delay implementation of a rule that would have allowed only non-toxic shot to be used when hunting doves. That provision will be held in abeyance pending consideration by state lawmakers during the 2012 session. Should no action be taken by the Iowa General Assembly next year, the lead shot ban would take effect upon the Legislature's adjournment.

Proponents of the ban told committee members that lead has been removed from toys, paint, gasoline and other things because of its toxic threat to people and wildlife. They said authorizing only non-toxic shot when dove-hunting becomes legal next month for the first time in Iowa since 1918 would be a sound conversation measure that is backed by scientific research.

Legislators, hunters and others opposing the lead shot ban said the National Resources Commission exceeded its authority when it unanimously approved a change that went beyond the intent of the Legislature when it sent a dove-hunting measure to Gov. Terry Branstad's desk for his signature. They said it appeared the proposed rule was aimed at deterring hunters rather than a policy that was based on good science.

Gregory Drees, chairman of the Natural Resources Commission, said panel members were under the impression they had the governor's backing when they unanimously approved the lead-shot ban in July. However, he said Branstad apparently had a change of heart since his representative at today's committee meeting said the governor believed the decision rested with the Legislature.

“This is an issue I feel the Legislature should decide on, not a commission,” Branstad said in an interview earlier this month. “The Legislature authorized a dove-hunting season, but this issue of lead shot is a separate issue and it seems to me that's an issue the Legislature decide.”

Had the committee not approved the session delay today, the governor would have had 70 days to decide whether to veto the proposed rule regarding non-toxic shot.