Hunting News

Iowa hunters will have a new option this fall while hunting deer during the youth season, disabled hunter season and both shotgun seasons – rifles that are capable of shooting straight walled cartridges.

The new straight wall cartridge law was passed without dissent by the Iowa Legislature, and was signed into law April 13. It was enacted to allow for a lower recoil option for older and younger hunters, but is available to all hunters in those four seasons.

Hunters may only use straight wall ammunition that is allowed for pistol hunting. There is a list of acceptable calibers in the Iowa Hunting and Trapping Regulations. Depending upon the caliber, some straight wall cartridges will be effective up to 100 yards, but most will be effective to around 50 yards.

The new law requires individuals caught with a rifle capable of shooting ammunition not on the approved list while hunting deer to have their hunting privileges suspended for two years and receive a $250 fine.