Brett Reece State Conservation Officer

2016 is a boat registration year and Iowans will be registering about 235,000 boats between Jan. 1 and April 30. Boat registrations will expire April 30, 2016. Customers can begin to renew their boat registrations on January 1, 2016. Boaters can use their 2016-2019 decals beginning January 1.

Boat registrations are handled by Iowa’s county recorders. Boat owners should bring their current registration to the recorder’s office in the county where the individual resides when they renew.

Nonresidents who register their boat in Iowa will go to the county where the boat is primarily used.

Owners who purchased a boat from a private seller and are registering it in their name should bring the signed registration and to make sure the title is signed over to them, if applicable.

Boat registrations are good for three years. The fees go to support water trails, navigation enforcement, aquatic invasive species, boater education and safety, and the registration system.

The calendar insists it’s middle December regardless of what the thermometer says meaning 2015 will soon become 2016 and time to renew hunting and fishing licenses.

A 2016 hunting, fishing or combination license is a permission slip for a year’s worth of outdoor enjoyment. It makes an excellent gift for the holidays and one that could be purchased online up to the last minute at www.iowadnr.gov.