Deer Hunters In Iowa Reminded To Report Harvest Data
Deer hunters will soon be out in full force and a wildlife research supervisor with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is reminding those hunters who are successful to report their hunt to the state’s harvest reporting system. Chris Ensminger (ENZ-ming-er) says around 20-percent of hunters who kill a deer fail to report it to the DNR.
Other hunters may intentionally fail to report.
The reported harvest is an important piece of information used when wildlife experts discuss possible changes to seasons, antlerless quotas, or other potential regulation changes. Hunters who are caught failing to report within 24 hours of the deer kill can face a fine and court costs of roughly $80. The first of Iowa’s two shotgun deer seasons opens on December 3.
Internet May Be Factor For Iowa Teen Suicide Rate
Suicide is a leading cause of death for Iowa teenagers and a new study finds Internet use is among the top contributing risk factors. Dr. Benjamin Shain authored the report for the American Academy of Pediatrics and says more than five hours of daily internet use is linked with high levels of depression. He warns parents that blocking access to a teen’s online social network likely won’t help the situation.
Last year in Iowa, a state report says 414 Iowans died by suicide, an increase of 22 deaths from 2014. Suicide is the leading cause of death in Iowans between the ages of 15 and 34. In addition to prolonged internet use, bullying is also consider a major risk factor in teen suicide. Shain, a child psychiatrist, says online bullying can be as serious as face-to-face bullying.
One of the best ways for parents to help prevent youth suicide is to talk openly and calmly with their kids. If you are considering suicide, you can get help by calling National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Dog Owners Encouraged To Give Flu Shots To Pets
Dog owners in Iowa are being urged to have their pets vaccinated for canine influenza virus, or C-I-V, which was reported in more than 40 states in the past year, including Iowa. Veterinarian Dr. Natalie Marks says the so-called dog flu quickly caused an epidemic in 2015 and it’s hoped prevention can prevent it from spreading again this year. The symptoms are much like human flu.
In the worst cases, it can be fatal, but Marks says there is a way to inoculate against the two strains.
C-I-V is highly contagious and can spread quickly in urban areas, doggie daycares, boarding facilities, dog parks and sporting events. The dog flu is a problem year-round, especially during warmer months as pets are outdoors more often and more likely to encounter other dogs if they are social.
