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2025/2026 Beaver Bounty information will be available in the coming weeks.
Pottawattamie County is currently looking to collect information on problematic beaver activity (beaver activity that results in negative impacts on Pottawattamie County residents' activities and/or property). Please use the form at the link below to document the type, location, and photos of problematic beaver activity. The data collected will be used to help Pottawattamie County target problem areas with deterrence measures. Thank you for your support!
Beaver Activity Collection Site
2024/2025 Beaver Bounty Information (Inactive)
What: On Monday, November 4th, the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to adopt the Beaver Bounty Program. The program allows participants that harvest beavers for their pelts during trapping season to be paid $25 per beaver harvested in Pottawattamie County.
Why: From Board of Supervisors Chairman Brian Shea: "Pottawattamie County is responsible for maintaining many roadways and drainage ditches in our area. Beaver dams can end up causing a lot of damage, costing our county a considerable amount of money to repair. We hope this program minimizes the possibility of that happening."
The Beaver Bounty Program has been used by other counties in Iowa, including nearby Shelby County since 2012. The Iowa DNR has no concerns with the program.
Participants must adhere to the rules and regulations of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and follow specific steps outlined by Pottawattamie County.
Once the $5,000 is expended there will be no more payments issued for the season. Pottawattamie County officials plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the program this season, before considering if the program will continue in the future.