The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments on proposals for five hunting and trapping seasons through May 23.

The proposed changes to furbearer, resident deer hunting, waterfowl and pigeon seasons and to the wildlife refuge list were approved during the April meeting of the Natural Resource Commission.

Proposed changes to resident deer hunting seasons include a reduction in the quota of paid antlerless deer licenses by 3,950 in six counties in southwest Iowa, where deer harvest and trend surveys showed the reduction was needed most.

The proposal calls for 800 fewer antlerless licenses in Pottawattamie County, 750 fewer in Cass County, 400 fewer in Mills County, 250 fewer in Montgomery County, 900 fewer in Fremont County and 850 fewer in Page County.

Additional information regarding the proposed changes is available online at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/HuntingLicensesLaws.aspx

Public comments will be accepted until May 23, when a public hearing will be held to take comments from the public. The meeting begins at 1 p.m. in the fourth floor conference room of the Wallace State Office Building, in Des Moines.

Written comments may be directed to Wildlife Bureau Chief, Wallace State Office Building, 502 East Ninth Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0034 or by email to wildlife@dnr.iowa.gov or by fax to 515-281-6794.

Persons wishing to convey their comments orally may contact the Wildlife Bureau by phone at 515-281-5034 or by visiting the fourth floor of the Wallace State Office Building during regular business hours.