HF 288 (LSB 1106HV (1) 86)

HOUSE FILE 288

BY  COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

(SUCCESSOR TO HF 42)

A BILL FOR

An Act allowing the taking of catfish by bow and arrow and providing penalties.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 461A.42, subsection 1, paragraph b, Code 2015, is amended to read as follows:
   b.  A person may use a bow and arrow with an attached bow fishing reel and ninety-pound minimum line attached to the arrow to take catfish or rough fish as provided by rule of the commission.
    Sec. 2.  Section 481A.76, Code 2015, is amended to read as follows:
   481A.76  Unlawful means —— exception.

   It is unlawful, except as otherwise provided, to use on or in the waters of the state any grabhook, snaghook, any kind of a net, seine, trap, firearm, dynamite, or other explosives, or poisonous or stupefying substances, lime, ashes, electricity, or hand fishing in the taking or attempting to take any fish, except that gaffhooks or landing nets may be used to assist in landing fish. The commission may permit designated fish to be taken by hand fishing, by snagging, by spearing, by bow and arrow, and with artificial light at the times and at the places as determined by rules of the commission.  The commission shall permit the taking of catfish by bow and arrow, and with artificial light in the manner and at the times and at the places as determined by rules of the commission.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with

the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill allows a person to take catfish with a specified bow and arrow in state parks and preserves as provided by rule of the commission. A violation of this provision is punishable with a scheduled fine of $50. The bill also requires the natural resource commission to allow the taking of catfish by means of bow and arrow and with artificial light in a manner and at times and places as determined by the commission by rule. A violation of this provision is punishable with a scheduled fine of $50.
   Currently, only the taking of rough fish in state parks and preserves is allowed by use of a specified bow and arrow as provided by rule of the commission, and the commission is allowed, but not required, to designate fish that can be taken by bow and arrow.