Today, the Iowa Senate voted 37-13 to pass House File 716 to improve hunting opportunities in Iowa by defining the types of cartridges that may be used for deer hunting and expanding opportunities for youth hunters to hunt under the supervision of an adult. In March of 2019, the House of Representatives voted 57-40 to pass the bill. HF 716 now goes to Governor Kim Reynolds for her signature.

House File 716, introduced by Representative Windschitl, clarifies which cartridges are allowed for use in hunting deer by establishing minimum muzzle energy and muzzle velocity requirements. This will expand hunting opportunities by allowing hunters to use commonly-owned firearms chambered in modern calibers such as those that have been available to American consumers for over a century. In addition, HF 716 ensures that hunting with handguns is protected throughout Iowa.

Your NRA would like to thank the senators who supported this bill and senate leadership for bringing it to a vote after returning from an interrupted session.