571—52.1(481A) Established.

1. 52.1(1)  State parks, recreation areas and preserves. State parks, recreation areas, and preserves listed on the department’s website at www.iowadnr.gov/things-do/hunting-trapping/hunting-regulations-laws are established as wildlife refuges, except where posted as open to public hunting.
2. 52.1(2)  Wildlife refuges. Areas listed on the department’s website at www.iowadnr.gov/things-do/hunting-trapping/hunting-regulations-laws are established as wildlife refuges where posted. It is unlawful to hunt, pursue, kill, trap, or take any wild animal, bird, or game on these areas at any time, and no one shall carry firearms thereon, except where and when specifically authorized by the department. It is unlawful to trespass in any manner on these areas, where posted, during the dates posted, both dates inclusive, except that department personnel, law enforcement officials, and other persons specifically authorized by the department may enter the area at any time in performance of their duties, and hunters, under the supervision of department staff, may enter the area when specifically authorized by the department.
3. 52.1(3)  Waterfowl refuges. Areas listed on the department’s website at www.iowadnr.gov/things-do/hunting-trapping/hunting-regulations-laws are established as waterfowl refuges where posted. It is unlawful to hunt ducks and geese on these areas, where posted, at any time during the year. It is unlawful to trespass in any manner on these areas, where posted, during the dates posted, both dates inclusive, except that department personnel, law enforcement officials, and other persons specifically authorized by the department may enter the area at any time in performance of their duties, and hunters, under the supervision of department staff, may enter the area when specifically authorized by the department.
4. 52.1(4)  Restricted areas. It is unlawful to trespass in any manner on areas posted as restricted areas, except that department personnel, law enforcement officials, and other persons specifically authorized by the department may enter the area at any time in performance of their duties.

State-owned lands and water under the jurisdiction of the department of natural resources may be established as wildlife refuges or sanctuaries for the purpose of preserving the biological balance pursuant to the provisions of Iowa Code section 481A.39; for the protection of public parks and public health, safety and welfare; and to effect sound wildlife management.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 481A.5, 481A.6, 481A.9 and 481A.39.

[ARC 9227C, IAB 5/14/25, effective 6/18/25]