06/18/2026
This is a copy and paste info btw
We have received some additional information clarifying some of the wording.
****CORRECTION: Currently, cellular camera use is only prohibited during active hunting, similar to the longstanding two-way radio law. DNR’s proposed rule would prohibit the use of any form of trail cameras on public land only. To clarify, cell/trail cameras would still be allowed on private property except to actively aid in a hunt****
NRC approves ban on trail cameras in state managed areas
(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Natural Resource Commission is moving forward with new rules to ban all trail cameras in state game management areas. The background information from the N-R-C says the proliferation of trail cameras has generated numerous concerns and complaints from the public. The D-N-R’s Chris Ensminger says modern devices that can transmit signals are already banned.
“I cannot use a phone or anything else, a camera that is actively communicating to me while I’m hunting. And so that cellular cameras are not legal currently anywhere, private or public land,” Ensminger says. He says this will impact cameras that have a card in them that needs to be retrieved and read to get pictures.
“There is no current restriction on regular trail cameras, a card-based trail cameras on public lands,” he says. The background information says the trail cam ban will protect the recreational experience of sportsmen and sportswomen and other visitors to these wild areas. And it ensures that hunters don’t gain an improper or unfair technological advantage over game animals.
Ensminger says there has been a lot of discussion about the change and they will let everyone know about the new regulation once it is final.”Obviously we will work closely with law enforcement to figure out how we’re going to roll this (out), but yes, there will have to be a lot of communication. And there has been already a lot of buzz about it,” he says.
Anyone interested in commenting on the rule can submit written comments to the D-N-R by 4:30 p-m on July 28th. Comments should be directed to:
Chris Ensminger
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
6200 Park Avenue, Suite 200
