Iowa Code § 461A.42
Use of firearms, explosives, weapons, and fireworks prohibited — exceptions
Redline — January 1, 2012 → current.View current text →
Current — January 1, 2026
As of January 1, 2012
1. The use of firearms, explosives, and weapons of all kinds by a person is prohibited in all state parks and preserves except under the following conditions:
1. The use of firearms, explosives, and weapons of all kinds by a person is prohibited in all state parks and preserves except under the following conditions:
a. A firearm or other weapon authorized for hunting may be used in preserves or parts of preserves designated by the state advisory board on preserves at the request of the commission.
a. A firearm or other weapon authorized for hunting may be used in preserves or parts of preserves designated by the department at the request of the commission.
b. A person may use a bow and arrow with an attached bow fishing reel and ninety-pound minimum line attached to the arrow to take rough fish as provided by rule of the commission.
b. A person may use a bow and arrow with an attached bow fishing reel and ninety-pound minimum line attached to the arrow to take rough fish as provided by rule of the commission.
c. The commission may establish, by rule, the state parks or parts of state parks where firearms may be discharged during special events, festivals and education programs, or a special hunt to control animal populations. The rules governing special hunts to control animal populations shall be applied separately to each designated state park.
c. The commission may establish, by rule, the state parks or parts of state parks where firearms may be discharged during special events, festivals and education programs, or a special hunt to control animal populations. The rules governing special hunts to control animal populations shall be applied separately to each designated state park.
2. The use of fireworks, as defined in section 727.2, in state parks and preserves is prohibited except as authorized by a permit issued by the department. The commission shall establish, by rule adopted pursuant to chapter 17A, a fireworks permit system which authorizes the issuance of a limited number of permits to qualified persons to use or display fireworks in selected state parks and preserves. A person violating this subsection is guilty of a simple misdemeanor. In addition to any other penalties, the punishment imposed for a violation of this subsection shall include assessment of a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars. The court shall order restitution if any damages were caused by the violation which may include, but is not limited to, community service.
2. The use of consumer fireworks or display fireworks, as defined in section 727.2, in state parks and preserves is prohibited except as authorized by a permit issued by the department. The commission shall establish, by rule adopted pursuant to chapter 17A, a fireworks permit system which authorizes the issuance of a limited number of permits to qualified persons to use or display fireworks in selected state parks and preserves.
3. A person violating this section is guilty of a simple misdemeanor punishable as a scheduled violation pursuant to section 805.8B, subsection 6, paragraph “c”.
86 Acts, ch 1245, §1877; 91 Acts, ch 101, §1
86 Acts, ch 1245, §1877; 91 Acts, ch 101, §1
C93, §461A.42
C93, §461A.42
97 Acts, ch 180, §1; 99 Acts, ch 153, §10
97 Acts, ch 180, §1; 99 Acts, ch 153, §10; 2012 Acts, ch 1118, §2; 2017 Acts, ch 115, §9, 12; 2024 Acts, ch 1170, §333
Referred to in
Official source: Iowa Legislature. Reproduced from public-domain Iowa statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.