Iowa City, IA – Hunters across Johnson County are receiving a renewed reminder on safety and property-access rules this week as the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources highlight key regulations ahead of increased seasonal activity.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, hunters must secure permission from landowners every time they intend to hunt—or at minimum once per year—to prevent confusion and avoid trespassing violations. Officials noted that permission must be obtained before stepping onto private property for any hunting activity.
Authorities also emphasized that hunters may not shoot across property lines without explicit consent from the landowner. Even when game travels onto private land, hunters may only retrieve it without their weapon, unless the landowner grants approval to bring a firearm onto the property.
In addition to access rules, the Sheriff’s Office reiterated Iowa’s proximity-to-homes requirement. According to the Iowa DNR, hunters must remain at least 200 yards away from any occupied building before discharging a firearm. An exception is allowed only if the homeowner provides permission to shoot from a closer distance.
Local officials say the reminders are meant to improve safety, reduce property disputes, and ensure hunters remain in compliance with state code as the season continues.
Residents with questions or concerns about hunting activity on or near their property are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office or consult Iowa DNR guidelines at iowadnr.gov.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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