Quoted:
It's a tax document.  Where does it say they can see my form 4/1 without a warrant?  Do I have 24 hours to show my tax returns to the DNR when they request it?

Quoted:

It's actually more than just a tax document, it's verification that you lawfully posses the controlled item in question. Friends of mine carry the original with them, I just carry a color copy and keep the original in the vault at home.

Quoted:
Any of you Outdoors Men and Women have any issues with the DNR attempting to confiscate suppressors for not carrying your Form4 on you.

I am getting some interesting phone calls about an email from someone at the State level directing DNR Officers in the field to do such things?

This is nothing short of harassment and not proper handling of the situation.  Yes LE can ask you to produce a copy of your Form4 for verification purposes but if you cannot you have 24hrs in which to do so without punishment or confiscation.

Please let me know if anyone here has had it happen to them or have heard of such things.

Thank you

Hello Deltagunner7994,

The Iowa Firearms Coalition is now aware of at least one instance where a DNR Conservation Officer has asserted authority to seize a suppressor if the possessor can't prove legal possession by presenting a Form 4 with a tax stamp affixed. The individual was hunting with an approved caliber and suppressor attached when a conservation officer asked to inspect the weapon and see proof of ownership. Neither state nor federal law requires such presentation, and DNR officials now acknowledge that fact. Iowa Firearms Coalition representatives have addressed this incident with DNR officials and believe it was an instance of confusion in the field.

We will continue to monitor the situation as Iowa's firearms deer hunting season continues for the next two weeks. In the meantime, if you or someone you know plans to hunt deer with a suppressor we strongly recommend the following:
Those who possess a suppressor or SBR should keep a photo of Form 4 on your cell phone.
Make a photocopy of Form 4 and keep it in your gun case for the same purpose
Keep the original Form 4 in a safe location. Do not take it to the field.
Keep a non-confrontational attitude if questioned.
If you are hunting and have a similar interaction with a DNR Conservation Officer, please make the Iowa Firearms Coalition aware of it. When state agents overstep, we can use our knowledge of the law and organizational resources to keep them in check.  We also want to make sure you have the critical information you need if and when you're confronted by an overzealous officer. This is yet another example of how IFC serves you and another reason to be an IFC member. If you're a hunter or knows someone that hunts, please share this information. The last thing we want is for our members to find themselves in trouble.

Have a safe hunt and thank you for supporting the Iowa Firearms Coalition!

Quoted:

Sounds like it was an isolated incident and is resolved. Thanks again to the IFC.

Quoted:

IFC's gone through the work to translate the legaleese into easy to digest layman's terms. That's in addition to getting cans legalized in the first place. If you're an Iowan and you own a suppressor there's simply no reason you should not be an IFC member.

/rant

Thanks everyone. Stay sharp.
Kurt

Mr. DeltaGunner7994,

Thank you for your inquiry with the Iowa DNR.  I apologize for the delay in getting back to you with an answer.  At this time we have forwarded your question to the Iowa Attorney General's Office and are awaiting guidance and direction from them.

If you have any further questions or would like to visit more in depth please fee free to contact me at 712-254-0550.

Brian L. Smith | SW District 3 Law Enforcement Supervisor

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

C 712-254-0550 | 57744 Lewis RD Lewis, IA 51544

www.iowadnr.gov