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Beginning July 1, a significant change is coming to the way Iowa farmers can deal with raccoon depredation issues.

Following a bill that was signed into law by Governor Reynolds, landowners or tenants will soon be able to dispatch raccoons causing damage to their property, outside of city limits. They may shoot or trap raccoons using a cage or dog-proof traps. A license is not required, and landowners do not need to notify the Iowa Department of Natural Resources before shooting or trapping.

Another change, currently in effect, allows for year-round hunting and trapping of raccoons on private land. Outside of furharvester season, only firearms, cage traps or dog-proof traps are legal methods of take. During the furharvester season, trappers may use other lawful traps normally allowed during the trapping season. Hunters or trappers pursuing raccoons on private land they do not own are required to have a valid furharvester license.

For additional resources, ISU Extension offers a comprehensive list of wildlife rehabilitation centers which can be found here.