Friday marks the start of the three day long November Antlerless Season in Iowa.  Geared around the Thanksgiving holiday, this season offers an opportunity for family and friends to hunt together, harvest some quality venison, and help manage Iowa’s deer herd.

Licenses went on sale November 10 for counties that had not filled their antlerless license quota.  Shotguns, handguns, muzzleloaders, and bows may be used and party hunting is legal.  Last year roughly 11,500 licenses were issued with a reported kill of 4,141 deer for a harvest success of 35 percent.  These animals represent a positive step towards attaining or maintaining herd goals within the state. 

The majority of southern and eastern Iowa herds are still above desired levels and antlerless harvest in these areas, especially adult does and doe fawns, is the only realistic long-term method for reducing population size.  Deer herds with reduced densities typically produce higher quality animals, help alleviate crop depredation, and reduce the rate of automobile/deer collisions. 

Hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. All deer harvested must be reported using the harvest reporting system by midnight following the day the deer is recovered. This is the second year where hunters have reported their kill. They can call the toll free number (1-800-771-4692) or use the DNR website (www.iowadnr.gov) to report their kill. This year they can also report at the license vendor. For hunters with Internet access, online reporting of the harvest is probably the easiest way to register the deer.  Harvest reports are a vital piece of information Iowa DNR biologists need for properly managing Iowa’s deer population and hunting opportunities.  Hunters are also reminded that they can also utilize the HUSH program to donate deer to the Iowa Food Bank and provide needed meat for Iowans.

Other individuals interested in purchasing antlerless licenses for other hunting seasons should act now in many counties to avoid losing the opportunity.  It is also a good time to purchase licenses for one of the Shotgun Seasons to avoid the long lines and holdups that are inevitable for those who wait until the last minute.

For more information, contact Tom Litchfield, state deer biologist, at 641-774-2958.