Not even flying snow or freezing temperatures will keep deer hunting enthusiasts out of Iowa’s fields and forests this weekend. Iowa D.N.R. deer biologist Tom Litchfield says about 70,000 deer hunters will be taking part in the shotgun season, which starts Saturday morning.
“Statewide, deer populations are down about 10% from last year so hunters will be seeing fewer deer,” Litchfield says. “The bulk of that reduction occurred in eastern, central and portions of southern Iowa. One thing in hunters’ favor this year is that all the crops are out statewide and that’s going to concentrate deer more.” Due to the decrease in population, the D.N.R. estimates this year’s deer harvest will be down 4-5% compared to last year.
Litchfield says there are no new Iowa-specific rules for hunters to follow this season but he does offer this tip. He reminds people who use manmade hunting blinds, fluorescent orange needs to be visible on all four sides. The first shotgun deer hunting season runs Saturday through December 8th, while the second season will run from December 11th through the 19th.
For more information, visit the D.N.R.’s website.
Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City