HF 2038: Relating to deer depredation

What it does

This bill relates to deer depredation. Under current law, eligibility for the wild animal depredation program requires a producer to have suffered “crop, horticultural product, tree, or nursery damage due to wild animals”. The bill changes this eligibility requirement to cover a producer who has suffered “economic loss to agriculture, horticulture, or silviculture operations due to wild animals”. The bill authorizes any conservation officer to issue depredation permits or deer shooting permits (permits). In addition to landowners as currently allowed, the bill allows tenants to receive permits. The bill authorizes a person to dispose of a deer by composting if the deer was taken with a depredation license or deer shooting permit.

House subcommittee · named February 3, 2026

• Rep. Taylor R. Collins (R) · taylor.collins@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Sam Wengryn (R) · sam.wengryn@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Adam Zabner (D) · adam.zabner@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 2 for, 5 against

For: Iowa Corn Growers Association; Iowa Farm Bureau Federation

Against: Humane World for Animals; Iowa Bowhunters Association; Iowa Conservation Alliance; Iowa Sportsmans Club; Izaak Walton League - Iowa Division

In plain words

1. January 14, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Natural Resources committee
2. February 3, 2026House subcommittee named: Collins, Wengryn and Zabner
3. February 10, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 17, 2026Approved by the House committee
5. February 17, 2026Committee vote: 13–7
6. February 19, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2627