New Public Lands Access in Iowa: Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Expand Hunting Opportunities

By Cami Koons

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have made significant strides in enhancing public lands access in Iowa through two recent land acquisitions in Fremont County. The addition of these lands not only increases hunting access but also reinforces habitat management practices crucial for prairie restoration.

Details of the Acquisition

The newly acquired parcels encompass a total of 350 acres that adjoin existing public lands managed by state and federal agencies. These lands will be incorporated into the Iowa Habitat and Access Program, aimed at improving wildlife habitats while allowing public hunting access. This initiative is instrumental in fostering biodiversity in the region.

The Iowa Habitat and Access Program

Managed by wildlife biologists from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Iowa Habitat and Access Program focuses on enhancing the quality of wildlife habitats. This ensures that not only game birds but also other wildlife can thrive in the area.

Parcel Specifics

The first parcel is a 174-acre addition to the Copeland Bend Wildlife Area, significantly connecting multiple tracts of existing public lands located northeast of Nebraska City. This is a notable enhancement to the area’s accessibility for both hunters and wildlife enthusiasts.

The second parcel, also comprising 174 acres, is situated a few miles southeast of the Copeland Bend Wildlife Area. This acquisition enhances access to the northern section of the M.U. Payne Wildlife Area along the Missouri River, further benefiting outdoor recreational activities.

Funding and Impact

The funding for these acquisitions was made possible through Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s “Build a Wildlife Area” program. Since its inception in 1982, this program has facilitated the permanent protection and public accessibility of over 243,000 acres across 17 states, providing invaluable experiences for outdoor lovers.

According to the organizations, these new parcels add habitat for game birds in regions heavily frequented by hunters from both Iowa and Nebraska. In 2024, hunters in Iowa reported an estimated harvest of 460,000 male pheasants and 27,500 quail, underscoring the significance of these habitats.

Connecting Public Lands

In a related initiative, Quail Forever acquired another parcel of land near Centerville, which also serves to connect various areas of public land managed by both the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The expansion of public lands access not only enriches Iowa’s natural landscapes but also promotes responsible hunting and conservation efforts. As these organizations continue their vital work, outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to improved habitats and greater access to nature.

Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. For inquiries, contact Editor Kathie Obradovich. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

This structured article incorporates headings, paragraphs, and formatting to improve readability and is formatted to be easily integrated into a WordPress site.