The Iowa Department of Natural Resources plans to begin de-watering Three-Mile Lake in Union County starting August 29, 2016, in preparation for the fish renovation planned for the third week in September.
The fish renovation will eradicate the yellow bass and common carp that have contributed to the declining water quality and sportfish quality in the lake. The DNR will begin restocking this fall after the renovation is complete.
The lake will be lowered up to 17 feet from normal pool for the fish renovation. Users should expect low water levels during the Labor Day holiday weekend. Access to some boat ramps may be limited due to the low water level.
Boaters should use extreme caution as potential hazards such as tree stumps, cedar tree brushpiles, and underwater reefs may be at or near the water’s surface.
Heavy rains close campgrounds at Yellow River Forest heading into the weekend
DES MOINES — Recent rains in northeast Iowa led to flooding in the Yellow River State Forest area and all four forest campgrounds are closed for the weekend.
“Big Paint, Little Paint, Creekside and Frontier will be closed through at least this weekend,” says Scot Michelson, DNR State Park district supervisor. “We need to get things cleaned up and dried out before we can open them back up. The grounds are currently completely saturated and full of debris.”
People planning park visits in the near future, especially in areas with recent rain events, are reminded to check on current conditions before heading out.
Closure information and alerts for state park and recreation areas can be found at:
http://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks-Rec-Areas/Closure-Information
Special teal season begins Sept. 3
The third year of Iowa’s experimental early teal season begins September 3 and according to state waterfowl experts, several factors are in place for hunters to be successful.
“We had a good hatch of blue wing teal and had a wet summer so most of our wetlands have water. Now it’s up to the weather and the migration, but it looks promising,” said Orrin Jones, state waterfowl biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Hunters should note the season dates have changed from previous years. The North and South zones are open from Sept. 3-11. The Missouri River zone is open from Sept. 3-18.
“This is an experimental season and with experiments you try different things. Our hunters requested a gap between teal season and the early regular season so we will try this and see how the hunters and ducks respond,” Jones said.
Teal are the only species that may be harvested during the teal season. Iowa hunters are correctly identifying teal before taking the shot and are complying with the later shooting hours – sunrise to sunset.
“Teal are a great species to introduce novice and young hunters to waterfowl hunting because they decoy easy and are pretty naïve giving hunters multiple opportunities, plus the weather is usually good. And for kids, there’s just a lot of activity in the marshes to see,” Jones said.
The daily limit of teal is six with a possession limit of 18. Nontoxic shot is required and guns must be restricted to hold no more than three shells.
Dove season
begins Sept. 1
Iowa’s sunflower fields will be a little busier this fall as hunters take part in the dove hunting season starting Sept. 1. Dove hunting is a great way to introduce young or new hunters to the sport since weather is nice and hunting requires only simple equipment.
Here’s a few tips for a successful hunt:
Scout before you go. Preview the DNR's list of wildlife areas with managed dove plots. Best times to hunt are morning and evenings when doves are most active. Look for areas near standing crops or recently mowed fields where birds will feed. Doves fly erratically so know your shotgun patterns and practice beforehand. Don't forget to register for HIP, even if you don't shoot any birds. Have fun and enjoy your time with friends and family!
Dove Season Quick Facts
Season dates: Sept. 1 - Nov. 9
Shooting hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset
Shot: Lead shot may be used except in designated nontoxic shot locations
Bag Limits: Daily limit of 15, possession limit of 45
Locations: Entire state is open
Licenses/fees: Small game license and habitat fee.