Significance

• Each state is responsible for setting harvest management quotas for hunting and fishing. These quotas help to manage herds to prevent overpopulation. For example, in 2009, Iowa allocated 6,000 any-deer/buck deer permits that would be distributed among 10 different zones. Limits for fish and minimum size requirements help to ensure a lake or river maintains an adequate number of fish.
  
  

Types of Hunting

• Hunters have the choice to choose from several different types of hunting. The major types of hunting include upland game, waterfowl, big game and varmints. Hunters will use shotguns to hunt upland game and waterfowl while hunters can use archery equipment or rifles to hunt big game and varmints. Common upland game includes rabbits, squirrels, pheasants and quail. Waterfowl includes ducks and geese. Big game refers to deer, elk, moose, black bear and turkey. Varmints are coyotes, fox and raccoons.
  
  

Types of Fishing

• Different types of fishing include fly-fishing, deep sea fishing and freshwater fishing. Fly-fishing is typically performed in shallow rivers or streams where fish can be seen and an artificial fly is used to catch the fish. Deep sea fishing takes place in coastal waters, seas and oceans and freshwater fishing takes place in freshwater streams, lakes and rivers. Common species pursued while fly-fishing include salmon and trout. Deep sea fishermen will pursue marlin, tuna and halibut and common fish for freshwater are northern pike, largemouth bass, catfish and crappie.
  
  

Time Frame

• Every state, based on location and conservation goals, will have different hunting and fishing seasons. For the most part, hunting seasons take place in the spring (turkeys and black bear) and fall (deer, elk and moose). For example, Iowa has a 2010 spring turkey hunting season that starts on April 12 and closes on May 16. Then the archery deer season opens on October 1. Most states, including Iowa, allow fish to be pursued year-round.
  
  

Geography

• Hunting and fishing can take place in a variety of terrain and habitat. Based on the location with available food and shelter for the animals, hunting and fishing terrain can vary dramatically. For example, Colorado has a diverse landscape with flat open grassland prairies that hold mule deer and give way to towering mountains that hold elk and moose.
  
  

Considerations

• Stay up to date with local, state and federal rules and regulations regarding hunting and fishing. Contact a conservation officer if you have any questions. Consider hiring a professional outfitter or local guide to help you with a hunting or fishing trip.