SF 422: Relating to allowable deer hunting practices by multiple hunters and making penalties applicable

What it does

This bill defines group hunting and party hunting. The bill allows group hunting for both resident and nonresident hunters. Additionally, the bill allows for the practice of party hunting among persons with a resident hunting license, subject to rules adopted by the natural resource commission, but prohibits the practice among persons with nonresident hunting licenses. Under current rules, party hunting is allowed for residents during the first and second regular gun seasons and the January antlerless deer only seasons. A person who violates the bill commits a simple misdemeanor punishable by a scheduled fine of $35.

Senate subcommittee · named January 14, 2026

• Sen. Mark Costello (R) · mark.costello@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Liz Bennett (D) · liz.bennett@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Lynn Evans (R) · lynn.evans@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 5 for, 0 against

For: Iowa Bowhunters Association; Iowa Conservation Alliance; Iowa Landowner Freedom Coalition; Iowa Sportsmans Club; Izaak Walton League - Iowa Division

In plain words

1. February 4, 2025Filed in the Senate and sent to the Natural Resources and Environment committee · as SSB 1078
2. February 4, 2025Senate subcommittee named: Sweeney, Trone Garriott and Zumbach · as SSB 1078
3. February 5, 2025Subcommittee recommended passing it · as SSB 1078
4. February 24, 2025Approved by the Senate committee, and given a new number: SF 422 · as SSB 1078
5. February 25, 2025Filed in the Senate
6. February 25, 2025Approved by the Senate committee
7. June 16, 2025Sent to the Senate Natural Resources and Environment committee
8. January 14, 2026Senate subcommittee named: Costello, Bennett and Evans