DNR FACEBOOK Q&A SESSION ON HUNTING MOVED TO FEB. 26

MEDIA CONTACT: Jessie Brown, DNR, at 515-281-5131 or Jessie.Brown@dnr.iowa.gov

DES MOINES —The DNR’s live question and answer session on Facebook regarding changes to hunting regulations has been moved from Feb. 25 to Feb. 26.

The DNR is asking Iowans to share their hunting and trapping successes in 2013 and comment on what changes they’d like to see in 2014 in the session. DNR wildlife research supervisor Willie Suchy will answer questions live from noon to 2:30 p.m.

To ask a question, post it as a comment on the “Live Q&A” post that the DNR will post at noon Feb. 26. You can also post questions ahead of time on the DNR’s Facebook Timeline at www.facebook.com/iowadnr. Questions received after 2:30 p.m. will be answered, but at a later time.

The live Q&A will now be held on the same day as statewide public meetings that will also gather comments and suggestions for changes in the 2014 hunting and trapping seasons. Information on the Feb. 26 evening meetings, including locations, is available at http://www.iowadnr.gov/hunting.

To make sure you see the Facebook live Q&A when it is posted, make sure you “like” the DNR’s page on Facebook. Go to www.facebook.com/iowadnr and click on “like” and make sure “get notifications” and “show in news feed” are selected.

Commenters should also view the DNR’s Facebook posting policy ahead of time at https://www.facebook.com/iowadnr/info.

DNR TO ANSWER YOUR IOWA HUNTING QUESTIONS LIVE ON FACEBOOK FEB. 25

DES MOINES —The DNR is asking Iowans to share their hunting and trapping successes in 2013 and comment on what changes they’d like to see in 2014 with a live Facebook Q&A session Feb. 25.

DNR wildlife research supervisor Willie Suchy will answer questions live from noon to 2:30 p.m. To ask a question, post it as a comment on the “Live Q&A” post that the DNR will post at noon that day. You can also post questions ahead of time on the DNR’s Facebook Timeline at www.facebook.com/iowadnr. Questions received after 2:30 will be answered, but at a later time.

The live Q&A comes one day before statewide public meetings that will also gather comments and suggestions for changes in the 2014 hunting and trapping seasons. Information on the Feb. 26 meetings, including locations, is available at http://www.iowadnr.gov/hunting.

To make sure you see the Facebook live Q&A when it is posted, make sure you “like” the DNR’s page on Facebook. Go to www.facebook.com/iowadnr and click on “like” and make sure “get notifications” and “show in news feed” are selected.

Commenters should also view the DNR’s Facebook posting policy ahead of time at https://www.facebook.com/iowadnr/info.

Hunter Ed Classes Available Ahead of Spring Turkey Season

A number of hunter education courses are scheduled across the state over the next few weeks for prospective turkey hunters to become certified in time for the spring season.

Iowa hunters born after Jan. 1, 1972 are required to successfully complete a certified hunter education course in order to purchase a hunting license. Hunter education courses are open to students 12 years old and older.  Students who are 11 years old may take the course, but the certificate of completion will become valid on their 12^th birthday.

The DNR has a list of safety education courses online at http://reservations1.usedirect.com/IowaWeb/   Students can search for class type, city, by month or zip code. 

Megan Wisecup, hunter education administrator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said students who are thinking about taking the course should decide soon.

“Our hunter education courses are a popular afterthought for some of our older students who realize late in the process that they need to get a certificate to buy a license.  The sooner a student decides, the more options they have to get certified,” Wisecup said.

Iowa’s spring turkey hunting begins with a youth only season April 5-13, followed by Season 1, April 14-17; Season 2, April 18-22; Season 3, April 23-29; and Season 4, April 30-May 18.

For more information on the options to complete hunter education in Iowa visit www.iowadnr.gov/huntered

Media Contact: Megan Wisecup, hunter education administrator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 515-238-4968.

The family of Craig Tufts, Family Summits, Inc. and National Wildlife Federation announces the 5th Annual Craig Tufts Educational Scholarship Award, which is given to a young person between the ages of 8 and 18 to attend a week-long, summer outdoor educational adventure camp with a parent or guardian. The Craig Tufts Educational Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Craig Tufts, Chief Naturalist of National Wildlife Federation.

Each year the Fund grants an award to one youth to attend a Family Nature Summit. The Fund provides travel, room and board and program fees for the award winner and an accompanying parent or guardian.

The contest is for anyone between the ages of 8 – 18 years old.  Applicants must submit an original essay about their favorite outdoor or nature-related activities describing how nature-related activities and experiences have impacted them.

To view the full details of the scholarship award and to apply for the award visit:

The National Wildlife Federation Website - Craig Tufts’ Educational Scholarship Fund & Family Nature Summit

http://www.nwf.org/What-We-Do/Kids-and-Nature/Programs/Craig-Tufts-Scholarship.aspx?s_email_id=20140207_BOT_ENG_Newsletter_February_Edition|STBot