Deer hunters reported harvesting 101,397 deer during the 2016 Iowa deer hunting season, which is about 3,000 fewer than were reported in 2015, but nearly identical to the 2014 harvest.
"This harvest is consistent with our management goals and is indicative of a stable deer population in Iowa," said Tyler Harms, wildlife researcher with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Hunters participating in the early deer seasons battled unseasonably warm weather, a significant factor that likely contributed to the lower overall harvest. Hunters in the early muzzleloader season reported 600 fewer deer and youth hunters reported 400 fewer deer than the 2015 season.
The Iowa DNR has a goal to manage for a deer population that can provide a harvest of between 100,000 and 120,000 deer each year, based on the recommendations agreed upon by the state deer task force.
In 2005, the DNR working in collective agreement with the Legislature and stakeholders to develop a plan to reduce the deer herd to the levels found in the middle 1990s. This state deer task force continues to meet annually prior to any deer season or license quota recommendations are proposed.
"We will continue to monitor Iowa's deer population and may adjust management efforts locally in response to varying conditions in different areas of the state," Harms said.
Media Contact: Tyler Harms, Wildlife Research Biometrician, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 515-432-2823 ext 112.
Space available in upcoming hunter education classes
Hunter Education Classroom courses are offered by knowledgeable and certified volunteer instructors and Iowa Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers. Classroom courses are typically 12-15 hours in length and are held over 2 to 3 sessions (days). In order to receive certification, a student must attend all sessions and pass the final exam.
Iowa law requires that anyone born after January 1, 1972 must be certified in hunter education before they are eligible to purchase an Iowa hunting license.
Upcoming Hunter Education Classes
March 2, Indianola, Izaak Walton League
March 4, Chariton, Pin Oak Lodge
March 7, Ottumwa, Izaak Walton League
March 7, Toddville, Wickiup Hill Learning Center
March 7, Winterset, Pammel Park Nature Center
March 7, Birmingham, Southeastern Iowa Sportsman's Society
March 9, Muscatine, Monsanto Recreation Building
March 10, Des Moines, Izaak Walton League
March 11, Oxford, Kent Park Environmental Education Center
March 11, Waterloo, Hawkeye Community College
March 11, Mount Pleasant, Henry County Nature Center
March 11, Montrose, Lee County Conservation Board
March 13, Cresco, Prairie's Edge Nature Center
March 13, Anthon, Anthon Shelter House
March 14, Clarion, Lake Cornelia Shelter House
March 16, Corning, Corning Gun Club
March 16, Knoxville, Marion County Sportsman Club
March 18, Ventura, Iowa Regular Baptist Camp
March 18, Maquoketa, Hurstville Interpretive Center
March 18, Sioux City, Scheels
March 20, Burlington, Starr's Cave Nature Center
March 20, Grimes, Grimes Community Complex
March 20, Clarinda, American Legion
March 21, Dubuque, EB Lyons Interpretive Center – Mines of Spain
March 23, Central City, North Linn Fish & Game Club (full class, waiting list available)
March 23, West Des Moines, Raccoon Park Nature Center
March 23, Iowa City, Fin and Feather
March 25, Elgin, Fayette County Conservation Board, Gilbertson Nature Center
March 25, Fairfield, Southeast Iowa Skeet Club
March 25, Vinton, Izaak Walton League
March 25, Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon Fire Department
March 25, Victor, Knights of Columbus
March 27, Oxford Junction, Oxford Junction Fire Station
March 28, Dyersville, Dyersville Fire Department
March 30, Ionia, Twin Ponds Nature Center
March 30, Tipton, Cedar County Conservation Board Office
April 1, Red Oak, Wolfe Nature Center
April 1, Solon, Solon Middle School
April 1, Decorah, Northeast Fox and Coon Club
April 1, Sergeant Bluff, Sergeant Bluff Fire Station
April 3, Peosta, North Iowa Community College
April 18, Ames, Izaak Walton League
April 18, DeWitt, Wapsi Valley Ikes
For more information on these and other hunter education opportunities, go to www.iowadnr.gov/huntered
