Hunters reported harvesting 121,407 deer in Iowa during the 2011-12 seasons, which is 4.5 percent lower than the 127,094 deer reported in 2010-11.  To date, Iowa’s deer population has been reduced by 30 percent from its peak in 2006, and is still declining.

“Deer numbers in many areas are near or below the department’s objective,” said Dale Garner, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Bureau. “We are hearing complaints from hunters that they are not seeing the number of deer that they had in the past and some are voicing their concerns that the herd reduction may have gone too far.”

The DNR will review the harvest and population surveys this spring and make proposals to reduce the deer kill and stabilize deer where deer numbers are at or below the goal.  Current data indicates that it will be necessary to adjust the antlerless quota and season structure to stabilize declining deer numbers.

In areas where deer numbers have not reached the department’s goal, hunters will still have the option to kill extra does. Many of these areas are near cities and towns where hunting is restricted due to safety or in southern Iowa where hunting pressure is lower.

There were 392,930 deer licenses issued during 2011-12, down slightly from the previous year’s total of 394,298. Does were the majority (52 percent) of the reported harvest for the seventh consecutive year. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Dale Garner, Chief of Wildlife, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 515-281-6156.

MEDIA CONTACT: Dale Garner, Chief of Wildlife, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 515-281-6156.

CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CONFIRMED IN TWO FREE-RANGE MISSOURI DEER

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) confirmed Tuesday the presence of chronic wasting disease in two hunter harvested free-ranging deer in Macon County, Mo., about 70 miles south of Centerville, Iowa. 

In a statement, the MDC said it plans to collect additional samples for testing in the immediate area where the two CWD positive deer were harvested.  The positive deer were harvested near a deer hunting preserve where two captive deer tested positive for CWD this past fall.

Chronic wasting disease is a brain disease that can infect deer, elk, and moose and is classed as a spongiform encephalopathy.  An abnormal protein agent, called a prion, causes normal proteins of the brain to take on a different shape and form microscopic holes in the brains of infected animals.  The disease is always fatal, although it may remain dormant within an infected animal for long periods of time. 

In the later stages of the disease, animals will appear severely emaciated, lethargic, and display repetitive behaviors.  Excessive thirst and salivation, tremors, extreme behavioral changes, and drooping head and ears are also often displayed. 

In the spring of 2010, a captive deer in Linn County, Mo., also tested positive. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources increased the number of tissue samples collected annually in Appanoose and Wayne counties in southern Iowa in 2010 after news of CWD in the captive deer.

Nearly 4,500 samples from Iowa deer were collected statewide during the 2011 seasons as part of the surveillance for CWD. Those samples will be sent to the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab at Texas A&M University for testing.

The Iowa DNR began monitoring for the disease in 2000 and has submitted 39,000 deer samples for analysis.

 “Chronic wasting disease has now been confirmed in every state bordering Iowa but so far, we have not had a sample come back positive,” said Dale Garner, chief of the Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Bureau.

DNR staff began collecting samples from hunters in September, but most come during the shotgun seasons when the majority of deer are harvested. Garner said 94 percent of the tissue samples were from hunter harvested deer that were volunteered at check stations, hanging sheds and meat lockers. Samples are collected from every county.

“Hunters have been our partners in this monitoring effort and we appreciate their willingness to work with us,” he said.

Anyone observing a deer displaying CWD symptoms should immediately contact the Iowa DNR.

To date, there is no evidence that humans can contract CWD by eating venison.  However, the National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that hunters (especially hunters hunting in areas where CWD is known to occur) do not eat the brain, eyeballs, or spinal cord of deer, that hunters wear protective gloves while field dressing game, and bone out meat for consumption.

The final regular deer season ended Jan. 10 when the late season muzzleloader and the archery season closed. Deer hunters had reported taking nearly 113,000 deer at the end of the season which is about 4 percent lower than was reported last year at this time and about 21 percent below the reported harvest in 2006.

While the harvest is lower, the number of deer licenses issued during the regular seasons has stayed about the same since 2006.

“The reduced kill is a result of the reduced deer population,” said Dale Garner, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Bureau. “Deer numbers in many areas are near the established goal. We continue to hear complaints from hunters that they did not see the number of deer that they had in the past and some are voicing their concerns that the herd reduction may have gone too far.”

Hunts for antlerless deer continue until Jan. 29, in select counties and urban areas. Even though licenses may be available, not all areas in these counties need the extra harvest, Garner said. Hunters need to work with the landowner where they hunt to determine if extra does need to be taken.

The DNR will review the harvest and population surveys after the seasons are complete in January and make proposals to reduce the deer kill and stabilize deer numbers. Reductions in the harvest were proposed in 2011 but not adopted.

The January antlerless deer season begins Jan. 11, for 42 counties, mainly in southern Iowa, and is the final deer season of the year. Even though there may be licenses left for a county not all areas in these counties need to have extra does taken. Hunters are encouraged to work with landowners to determine desired local deer population level and adjust their doe harvest accordingly.

Hunters are reminded that they will need to have a 2012 hunting license and habitat fee to participate in the season. The January antlerless season allows hunters to use shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns and bows.  In the southern two tiers of counties, hunters may also choose a centerfire rifle, .24 caliber or larger. Hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Party hunting is allowed during the January antlerless season. The season ends Jan. 29.

One concern voiced by hunters is that bucks that have shed their antlers are taken during this season. Hunters can avoid harvesting a shed antlered buck by passing up a shot at a lone deer and wait for does and fawns traveling together.

Hunters can use the HUSH program to donate any legally harvested deer to the Food Bank of Iowa, where the meat will help Iowans in need.

All deer taken must be reported using the harvest reporting system by midnight the day after the deer is recovered.  Accurately reporting the harvest is an important part of Iowa’s deer management program and plays a vital role in managing deer populations and future hunting opportunities. 

For hunters with Internet access, the online harvest reporting is the easiest way to register the deer. Hunters can report their deer online at www.iowadnr.gov, by calling the toll free reporting number 1-800-771-4692, or at any license vendor. 

DES MOINES - Deer hunters reported taking nearly 70,000 deer during the recently completed shotgun deer seasons. The kill is about 9 percent lower than what was reported in 2010 and about 30 percent below the reported harvest in 2006. The number of licenses issued for these seasons was about the same as in 2010 and 5 percent lower than in 2006.

“The reduced kill is a result of the reduced deer population,” said Dale Garner, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Bureau. “Deer numbers in many areas are near the department’s objective and we are now encouraging hunters to be more selective with their harvest.

“We have been hearing complaints from hunters that they are not seeing the number of deer that they had in the past and some are voicing their concerns that the herd reduction may have gone too far,” Garner said. “My advice to those hunters is to work with the landowner to see if the deer population is at a desirable level and adjust the local doe harvest accordingly.”

The DNR will review the harvest and population surveys after the seasons are complete in January and make proposals to reduce the deer kill and stabilize deer numbers. Reductions in the harvest were proposed in 2011 but not adopted.

DES MOINES―Licenses for the January antlerless deer season may be purchased beginning Dec. 15 for select counties. The season is open to all hunters regardless of any other deer licenses they have obtained.

The season is open Jan. 11-29. Hunters may use shotguns, handguns, muzzleloaders and bows, and center-fire rifles are also allowed in the southern two tiers of counties.

Hunters who are concerned about low deer numbers in the areas where they hunt should refrain from taking does in this season. Hunters should work with landowners to find areas where deer numbers are still higher than desired.

Licenses for the nonresident holiday season may also be purchased beginning Dec. 15. This season begins Dec. 24 and runs through Jan. 2. Hunters may use muzzleloaders, handguns or bows. Only antlerless deer may be taken.

These licenses may be purchased by nonresidents who did not obtain any other deer license this year as long as the nonresident antlerless quota for the county is not filled. This season is designed to allow nonresidents to come back and hunt with friends and family over the holidays.

Hunters have reported harvesting nearly 61,000 deer so far this fall which is about 10 percent fewer than last year.

Fewer deer were taken during the opening weekend of the first shotgun season due partly to less than ideal hunting conditions, but concerned hunters are commenting that they are seeing fewer deer across much of the state.

Iowa’s first shotgun season closes on Dec. 7. The DNR expects that 50,000 hunters will take the field for the second shotgun season which runs from December 10 - 18. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

In areas where deer numbers are down, hunters should work with the landowner to see if the deer population is at a desirable level. Hunters should refrain from taking extra does if deer numbers are reduced. In some areas deer numbers are still strong and can take the extra pressure. Hunters are the key to a properly managed Iowa’s deer herd.

IOWA’S FIRST SHOTGUN DEER SEASON BEGINS SATURDAY

The Iowa DNR expects that nearly 90,000 hunters will be heading to the woods and fields during Saturday’s opening day for first shotgun season. Iowa’s shotgun deer seasons are the most popular among hunters and account for more than half of all deer harvested.  Although hunters will still have good hunting opportunities they can expect to find fewer deer across much of the state. They may need to hunt a little longer this year to be successful. 

“Deer numbers in many areas are near the department’s objective and we are now encouraging hunters to be more selective with their harvest,” said Dale Garner, the DNR’s wildlife bureau chief.

“We have been hearing complaints from hunters that they are not seeing the number of deer that they had in the past and some are voicing their concerns that the herd reduction may have gone too far,” he said.  “My advice to those hunters is to work with the landowner to see if the deer population is at a desirable level and adjust the local doe harvest accordingly.”

With the crop harvest being completed, good habitat conditions and a favorable weather forecast hunting conditions should be excellent in most of the state. However, in western Iowa, hunters may find that the summer-long Missouri River flooding has changed the deer distributions so they may need to adjust where they hunt.

Safety First

Blaze orange is required for hunters participating in the shotgun hunts and party hunting is legal. Hunters using blinds during the shotgun seasons are reminded that they are required to display at least 144 square inches of blaze orange that is visible from all directions (see p. 23 of the 2011 Hunting Regulations for more information).

Report Your Harvest

All deer taken must be reported using the harvest reporting system by midnight the day after the deer is recovered.  Accurately reporting the harvest is an important part of Iowa’s deer management program and plays a vital role in managing deer populations and future hunting opportunities. 

For hunters with Internet access, the online harvest reporting is the easiest way to register the deer. Hunters can report their deer online at www.iowadnr.gov, by calling the toll free reporting number 1-800-771-4692, or at any license vendor. 

Tagging Antlered Deer

Hunters are reminded that antlered deer must have the transportation tag attached to the antler’s main beam, either at the base or between two points.

Season

First shotgun season is Dec. 3-7. Second shotgun season is Dec. 10-18. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

Youth Season Tags

Youth season hunters with an unfilled “any-deer” license from the youth deer season who did not harvest a deer are eligible to hunt during one of the two shotgun seasons. However, the youth hunter must follow the weapons restrictions that are in place during the season and be under the direct supervision of a licensed adult. A youth must harvest and tag their own deer.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tom Litchfield, State Deer Biologist, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 641-774-2958.

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DNR COLLECTING TISSUE SAMPLES DURING SHOTGUN DEER SEASONS

State wildlife officials will again be collecting deer tissue samples looking for the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease in the Iowa herd.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources began monitoring for the disease in 2000 and since CWD was found in Wisconsin and Illinois near the Iowa border in 2002, a majority of samples had been collected from counties along the Mississippi River.

Recent confirmed cases of CWD in a wild deer near Pine Island, Minn., and captive deer in Linn County, Mo., has the DNR increasing the number of samples from Howard, Mitchell, and Winneshiek counties in the north and Appanoose and Wayne counties in the south.

“Chronic wasting disease has been confirmed in every state bordering Iowa but so far, we have not had a sample come back positive,” said Dale Garner, chief of the Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Bureau.

Wildlife staffers have been collecting samples since September, but most of the samples come during the shotgun seasons when most of the deer are harvested. Garner said 94 percent of the tissue samples were from hunter harvested deer that were volunteered at check stations, hanging sheds and meat lockers. Samples are collected from every county, with a statewide goal of 4,500.

“Hunters have been our partners in this monitoring effort and we appreciate their willingness to work with us,” he said. Samples are sent to a USDA certified lab for testing.

What is Chronic Wasting Disease?

Chronic Wasting Disease is a brain disease that can infect deer, elk, and moose and is classed as a spongiform encephalopathy.  An abnormal protein agent, called a prion, causes normal proteins of the brain to take on a different shape and form microscopic holes in the brains of infected animals.  The disease is always fatal, although it may remain dormant within an infected animal for long periods of time.  

In the later stages of the disease, animals will appear severely emaciated, lethargic, and display repetitive behaviors.  Excessive thirst and salivation, tremors, extreme behavioral changes, and drooping head and ears are also often displayed. 

Anyone observing a deer displaying these symptoms should immediately contact the Iowa DNR.

To date, there is no evidence that humans can contract CWD by eating venison.  However, the National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that hunters (especially hunters hunting in areas where CWD is known to occur) do not eat the brain, eyeballs, or spinal cord of deer, that hunters wear protective gloves while field dressing game, and bone out meat for consumption.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tom Litchfield, State Deer Biologist, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 641-774-2958.

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DEER HUNTERS ENCOURAGED TO HUNT SAFELY

Iowa deer hunters are preparing for the opening of the first shotgun season on Dec. 3, and while optimism for a successful hunt is the primary focus, hunters are encouraged to brush up on safe hunting practices.

More than 70,000 hunters are expected to take to the timber on Saturday, and Megan Wisecup with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Recreation Safety Program said the tradition is rooted in the experiences of friends and family.

“If you think about who we go hunting with – our friends and our family – it is important to practice safe hunting techniques to make sure we all get home at the end of the day,” said Wisecup. 

She said the top cause of deer hunting incidents is hunters shooting at running deer. 

“Hunters are urged to not shoot at a running deer. Hunters tend to get fixated on their target and when a deer is running, they forget about their surroundings. Look beyond your target and clearly identify the target before taking the shot,” Wisecup said.  “You must be certain you have a clear, safe shot. Never point your firearm at anything you do not want to shoot.”

While shooting at running deer is the leading cause of injury, the number of self inflicted wounds is a concern. 

“Hunters need to remember the basic firearm handling rules in the field,” she said. 

The basic rules are always point the muzzle in a safe direction; treat every firearm as though it were loaded; unload the firearm and open the action, especially when crossing obstacles, until you are ready to shoot; keep the barrel clear and choose the proper ammunition.

Wisecup said other safety tips are to wear plenty of blaze orange and to discuss the hunting plan.

“You want to be seen from all sides in the woods,” she said.  “It is also important to discuss the hunting plan that will outline the role for each person and where they will be during the hunt.  Plan your hunt and hunt your plan.  It is critical to communicate with your hunting partners to ensure everyone knows where each other is at all times.”

In 2010, there were 15 deer hunting related incidents in Iowa, of which four were self inflicted.  There were two fatal deer hunting incidents in 2010.

MEDIA CONTACT: Megan Wisecup, recreation safety program supervisor, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 515-238-4968.

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WHITE DEER KILLED ON I-80

One of Jasper County’s most recognized residents has died.

The white deer often seen near I-80 at the Baxter exit was hit and killed by a vehicle Monday night. The white doe caused excited motorists to report seeing the deer to State Conservation Officer Kirby Bragg.

“I received hundreds of calls over the years about that deer,” Bragg said.  He said the doe had a pair of brown fawns last spring and was often seen in the company of another white deer that was hit by a vehicle in the same area a few years ago.

Deer that are predominately white are protected in Iowa and cannot be hunted. 

1. Early Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Season Opens October 15
2. Hunters: Be Aware of Out of State Deer Transportation Requirements
   

EARLY MUZZLELOADER DEER HUNTING SEASON OPENS OCTOBER 15

Iowa’s early muzzleloader deer hunting season begins October 15, sending 7,500 blaze orange wearing hunters into Iowa’s timber.

“Although the deer herd is still in good shape statewide, hunters can expect to see fewer deer in most areas of the state,” said Tom Litchfield, state deer biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The early muzzleloader deer season runs through October 23 and hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Muzzleloader hunters are required to wear blaze orange but should remember that well camouflaged bowhunters and others who enjoy the fall countryside will be sharing the woods with them. Hunters should properly identify the target and what is beyond the target before taking a shot.

Hunters can expect deer behavior to begin changing as the deer breeding season, or rut gets closer. Bucks will be beginning to make scrapes and rubs.

“Stand sites that take advantage any remaining green forage or acorns, or trails connecting them to bedding areas are good bets during this season,” Litchfield said.

All deer taken must be reported using the harvest reporting system by midnight the day after the deer is recovered.  For hunters with Internet access, the online harvest reporting is the easiest way to register the deer.

Last year, hunters reported harvesting 4,100 deer in the 2010 early muzzleloader season. Accurately reporting the harvest is an important part of Iowa’s deer management program and plays a vital role in managing deer populations and future hunting opportunities. 

Hunters can report their deer online at www.iowadnr.gov, by calling the toll free reporting number 1-800-771-4692, or at any license vendor. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Tom Litchfield, State Deer Biologist, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 641-774-2958.

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HUNTERS: BE AWARE OF OUT OF STATE DEER TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS

Deer seasons are underway in Iowa and across the Midwest. As the activity builds, hunters should be aware of transportation requirements, to avoid the potential spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

CWD is a neurologic disease affecting deer and elk. Always fatal to the animal, it has caused widespread preventive and control measures across the country. Iowa carries out extensive monitoring for CWD, sampling brain tissue from more than 36,000 deer in all 99 counties in the last decade. None have returned ‘positive.’

Still, confusion over what is required from state to state has been building this fall.

“I’ve received maybe a dozen calls in the last week; from a taxidermist, a sporting goods store, a meat locker, all asking whether an Illinois (taken) deer can be brought into Iowa,” recounts Luke Webinger, an Iowa Department of Natural Resources conservation officer in Clinton County.

Similar calls have been received in Muscatine County. Each county borders the Mississippi River and Illinois; which has had positive CWD cases.

Simply stated, Iowa DNR regulations prohibit bringing into Iowa whole carcasses of deer, elk, moose or caribou from areas where CWD has been identified. They do allow transport of boned meat, the cape (skin) and antlers—if attached to a clean skull plate—from which all brain and connective tissue has been removed.  If the animal was taken in a state or province which has not been classed as CWD-endemic, it may be transported in any matter that is otherwise legal.

A list of regions in which CWD has been detected in free ranging populations of deer or elk is listed in the 2011 Iowa Hunting Regulations (page 42) or at www.iowadnr.gov , click on hunting, then deer hunting, then Chronic Wasting Disease.

CHARITON - Iowa’s first two deer hunting seasons, the youth and the disabled hunter, open Sept. 17 and allow participants to hunt deer in a comfortable setting. 

 “These two seasons provide a wonderful opportunity for a young hunter or a disabled hunter to hunt deer in pretty favorable conditions when compared to the December shotgun seasons,” said Tom Litchfield, state deer biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 

Each youth hunter must be accompanied by an adult mentor who has a valid hunting license and has paid the habitat fee.  Mentors are encouraged to keep the needs and abilities of the youth in mind and to not make harvesting an antlered deer the definition of success. 

“We want our hunters to have an enjoyable and successful experience, and harvesting a deer should not be the only focus.  Mentors serve an important role in this regard,” Litchfield said.

Since deer are still in their late summer patterns, hunters should plan to hunt near food sources, such as clover fields or white oak trees bearing acorns because acorns are an attractive food source once they begin to fall.

Litchfield said mentors should be patient and not try to push the youth beyond their skills or stamina and to talk to the youth about sound deer herd management, including harvesting does.

The youth and disabled hunter seasons close Oct. 2.

In 2010, 8,550 youth hunters and 230 disabled hunters harvested 3,200 deer.  Hunters may choose to use a firearm or bow during these two seasons. If using a firearm, the hunters are required to wear blaze orange. Shooting hours are one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset. 

All deer taken must be reported using the harvest reporting system by midnight the day after the deer is recovered.  Accurately reporting the harvest is an important part of Iowa’s deer management program and plays a vital role in managing deer populations and future hunting opportunities. 

For hunters with Internet access, the online harvest reporting is the easiest way to register the deer. Hunters can report their deer online at www.iowadnr.gov, by calling the toll free reporting number 1-800-771-4692 or at any license vendor. 

DES MOINES - Tissue samples collected from more than 4,700 Iowa deer in 2010 and 2011 have all tested negative for chronic wasting disease (CWD). 

The majority of the samples were collected during the fall firearms season from seven counties in northeast Iowa, which is the area nearest to the CWD outbreaks in Wisconsin and Illinois.

The DNR also focused on collecting samples in south central Iowa, north of the area where the positive CWD deer was found in the captive facility in Missouri.

Since 2003, Iowa has tested 38,031 wild deer and 1,350 captive deer and elk.  All tests have been negative.

DES MOINES – Iowa wildlife officials have been tracking elk in and around the Yellow River State Forest that are likely escapees from a captive herd in Allamakee County.  One elk was killed by state conservation officers last week, but at least four remain at large, which gives state officials cause for concern about the potential impacts from disease to Iowa’s white tailed deer herd and domestic livestock industry.

The DNR has been working with the state veterinarian at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), who supports the effort to dispatch the escaped elk.

Dr. Dale Garner, chief of wildlife with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said the instances of escapees from captive deer and elk herds are on the increase.

“Our top concern is for the health of our deer herd and for our domestic livestock,” Garner said. “Because once chronic wasting disease (CWD) or bovine tuberculosis (TB) is out there, there is no going back.  For the most part, there will be no happy ending to this situation.”

CWD is a neurological disease affecting cervids, primarily deer and elk. It is caused by an abnormal protein, called a prion, that attacks the brains of infected animals, causing them to lose weight, display abnormal behavior and lose bodily functions. Signs include excessive salivation, thirst and urination, loss of appetite, progressive weight loss, listlessness and drooping ears and head.

Garner said the problems associated with CWD are unfolding across the river in Wisconsin where five years ago, less than 10 percent of the male deer in the herd from their core area had CWD.  Today, that number is more than 20 percent.  In Wyoming, the percentage with CWD is much higher. 

There have been 48 instances in Iowa since 2007 of elk escaping from captive herds involving 81 animals. When an elk sighting report comes in, the DNR works with IDALS to determine status of elk and the best available options. If the elk can be returned to the proper owners, then they are. If not, they then pose a risk to spreading CWD and/or other diseases and are dispatched. The elk are tested for CWD and if the tests are negative, the meat is donated to local needy families or a food bank.

 “While the risk that the escapees are introducing CWD or TB to our wild deer may be small, the consequence to the resource is enormous,” Garner said. “This is a risk that should be avoided.

 “Having these escapees is more than a minor irritation. The prion linked to CWD does not go away when the infected animal dies.  It stays active in the soil and contaminated soil can infect other animals, in addition to animal to animal transmission,” Garner said.  “TB is extremely difficult to get rid of and cost billions of dollars to the livestock industry.”

Deer hunting has been a $200 million per year economic boost to much of rural Iowa through gas, lodging, meals and hunting supplies.  Deer hunters have traveled to hunt in northeast Iowa, where about 10 percent of Iowa’s deer harvest occurs in Winneshiek, Allamakee, Fayette and Clayton counties. 

Garner said Iowa does not have the large land areas typically needed to support an elk herd.  Elk are two to three times the size of an Iowa white tail, averaging between 500 to 700 pounds.

FINAL DEER SEASON OPENS JANUARY 11

The last opportunity for deer hunters to take to the field begins Jan. 11 when the January antlerless deer season opens in select Iowa counties.  The season closes on Jan. 30.

Hunters may use shotguns, muzzleloaders, hand guns or bows during this season and party hunting is allowed.   In the southern two tiers of counties, hunters may use .24 caliber or larger centerfire rifles.  Hunters using a firearm must comply with Iowa’s blaze orange requirements.

January antlerless season licenses are available for Adair, Adams, Allamakee, Appanoose, Cass, Clarke, Clayton, Dallas, Davis, Decatur, Des Moines, Fayette, Fremont, Guthrie, Harrison, Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lee, Louisa, Lucas, Madison, Monona, Monroe, Page, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Taylor, Union, Van Buren, Wapello, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Winneshiek and Woodbury counties. 

Landowners and tenants may purchase licenses for the January antlerless season in the open season counties and in Polk, Jasper, Marion, Mahaska, Mills and Montgomery counties. 

The January antlerless season is a management tool encouraging doe harvest to reduce the herd size in certain areas.  If hunters and landowners feel the deer herd is already at acceptable levels on their property, they should refrain from taking additional does, or find landowners who still have high deer numbers.

To improve the chances of harvesting a doe during a time when bucks may have lost their antlers, hunters should look for deer traveling in family groups and avoid targeting larger bodied deer and deer traveling alone. 

 “Hunters should pass up shots at lone deer, unless they can get a good look at it. Bucks also travel in small bachelor groups so if one deer in the group has antlers, the group will likely all be bucks,” said Tom Litchfield, state deer biologist with the DNR.  “By contrast, if the group deer includes a fawn, it will likely be comprised of does and fawns.”

Hunters who would like to participate but do not want the additional deer meat may use the HUSH program to donate any legally harvested deer to the Food Bank of Iowa that provides meet to Iowans in need.

All deer taken must be reported using the harvest reporting system by midnight the day after the deer is recovered.  Reporting the harvest accurately is an important part of Iowa’s deer management program and plays a vital role in managing deer populations and future hunting opportunities. 

Hunters may report their deer on the DNR website www.iowadnr.gov, by calling the toll free reporting number 1-800-771-4692, or at any license vendor.  For hunters with Internet access, the online reporting of your harvest is the easiest way to register your deer.

Hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tom Litchfield, state deer biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 641-774-2958.

Possible Sidebar:

HOW TO IDENTIFY A SHED-ANTLERED BUCK

Hunters wanting to avoid harvesting a shed-antlered buck should avoid shooting lone deer and instead, wait for deer traveling in family groups. 

In late December and January, bucks may be found traveling together in small bachelor groups, typically 2-4 animals, of only adult deer. If a small group of adult deer contains even one antlered buck then all the animals in the group are often bucks. 

By contrast, a group of deer that contains fawns is very likely a family group composed of does and fawns.

Avoiding harvesting an older-aged shed-antlered buck is even easier. Because of differences in muscle mass, older bucks will move with a slower, more stiff-legged gait than does, and have a blockier, wider head.  Hunters can make good use of binoculars to determine if antler pedicels or a forehead patch are visible during good lighting conditions.

Even without antlers, the body type of a buck, how it moves, the deer it travels with, and how it interacts with other deer provides definite clues to its sex.

For the late season hunter the key to being successful at avoiding harvesting a shed-antlered buck is patience and using binoculars whenever possible. Combine these with knowledge of deer behavior and the chances of taking a shed-antlered buck are greatly reduced.

If a shed-antlered buck is taken it should not be viewed negatively. Any deer that is legally and ethically harvested should be appreciated by the hunter for the great outdoor experience and meat it provided.

For many, hunting has as much or more to do with the time, effort, and woodcraft that went into the experience than with the end result.

CHARITON – Hunters have reported harvesting more than 108,000 deer so far through the DNR’s harvest reporting system, which is 6.4 percent behind the 2009 levels, or about 7,000 fewer deer. Harvest totals have been lower each of the past few years as the deer herd approaches targeted population goals in more counties. 

“We are expecting that the kill would be down at least 4 to 5 percent this year,” said Tom Litchfield, state deer biologist with the DNR.  “The statewide deer population has been shrinking for the past five years and a lower harvest is a natural outcome of that population trend.”

Litchfield said he is hearing more complaints from hunters who are seeing fewer deer and fewer complaints from landowners and producers about seeing too many.

“It’s hard for hunters who are seeing about 30 percent fewer deer from the population peak,” he said.  “We are reaching population goals throughout eastern Iowa. Even in the far southeast corner, the deer herd is at middle to late 1990s levels.”

Only portions of southern, west central and southwestern Iowa will have blocks of counties likely remaining above population objectives when analyses are completed this spring.

“I would like to see more does taken in the southwest portion of the state,” Litchfield said.

There are still deer seasons open and hunters who are participating in the late muzzleloader season or the January antlerless season can expect to see deer movement focusing around the late part of the day, primarily right around sunset.

Antlerless license sales are running 7-1/2 percent lower than in 2009, primarily because people are buying fewer antlerless licenses because they are seeing fewer deer and are not filling the tags as quickly.

“There are portions of Iowa where hunters are holding off shooting does because they are seeing fewer deer,” Litchfield said. “Which is what we would expect to see.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Tom Litchfield, state deer biologist, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 641-774-2958.

CHARITON - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will again be collecting deer heads during the two shotgun deer seasons looking for the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease.   Iowa’s shotgun deer seasons are the prime time for collection because of the large number of hunters in the field and of deer harvested.

In 2009, 3,752 wild deer samples were collected and tested at the National Veterinary Services Lab, in Ames.  None of the samples showed any signs of the disease.

“Hunter participation is completely voluntary,” said Tom Litchfield, state deer biologist for the DNR. “For the hunters willing to provide deer heads for testing, we are thankful.”

The DNR will be collecting heads in all 99 counties, but an emphasis will be placed on seven Mississippi River border counties from Allamakee County to Scott County, due to the proximity of CWD in Wisconsin and Illinois.   The DNR will also increase the number of samples collected in Appanoose and Taylor counties after CWD was detected in a captive whitetail in Linn County, Mo. 

CWD is a brain disease that can infect deer, elk and moose.  Normal proteins in the brain take on a different shape that causes microscopic holes to form in the brains of infected animals. The disease is always fatal although it may be dormant within an infected animal for long periods of time.

Animals in later stages of CWD will appear severely emaciated, lethargic and display repetitive behaviors.  Excessive thirst and salivation, tremors, extreme behavior changes, and drooping head and ears are also often displayed.

“If anyone sees a deer displaying these symptoms should contact the DNR immediately,” Litchfield said. 

There is no evidence that humans can contract CWD by eating venison. However, the National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that hunters do not eat the brain, eyeballs or spinal cord of deer, that they wear protective gloves while filed dressing game and bone out meat for consumption.

Since 2003, the DNR has submitted tissue samples from more than 33,500 wild deer and none have tested positive.  No wild or captive animal has ever been diagnosed with CWD in Iowa. Iowa is an important part of the national CWD surveillance and monitoring effort.

Hunters may purchase licenses for the three day November antlerless deer season Nov. 26, 27 and 28. 

The November antlerless season is open in the following counties: Woodbury, Monona, Harrison, Pottawattamie, Mills, Fremont, Page, Montgomery, Cass, Adams, Taylor, Ringgold, Union, Adair, Guthrie, Dallas, Madison, Clarke, Decatur, Wayne, Lucas, Warren, Polk, Jasper, Marion, Monroe, Appanoose, Davis, Wapello, Mahaska, Keokuk, Jefferson, Van Buren, Lee, Henry, Des Moines, Louisa, Washington, Winneshiek, Fayette, Allamakee, and Clayton.

November antlerless licenses are only valid on private land where additional doe harvest is needed. 

Hunters in the November antlerless season must wear blaze orange and party hunting is legal.  Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

Last year, 10,000 licenses were issued and hunters reported harvesting 2,980 deer.  Portions of central, southern and west central Iowa along with Allamakee and Winneshiek counties would benefit most from additional doe harvest. 

All deer taken must be reported using the harvest reporting system by midnight the day after the deer is recovered.  Accurately reporting is an important part of Iowa’s deer management program and plays a vital role in managing deer populations and future hunting opportunities.  Hunters can report their deer on the DNR websitewww.iowadnr.gov, by calling the toll free reporting number 1-800-771-4692, or at any license vendor.  For hunters with Internet access, online reporting is the easiest way to register your deer.

GUTHRIE CENTER – The Iowa DNR along with many sponsoring organizations has created a mentored deer hunt that has been introducing people to Iowa deer hunting since 2004.

This mentored hunt is scheduled from Nov. 19 – 21, 2010, at the Springbrook Conservation Education Center. Participants will attend educational sessions on all aspects of deer hunting including the equipment, photography, biology, management, field care, deer processing, gun handling, safety, hunting methods, shot selection/placement and regulations.

Participants will be accompanied with their mentor to hunt deer in the park.

“If participants do not feel comfortable with any aspect of deer hunting, there will be people available to assist them in a positive, supportive environment,” said A Jay Winter, with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources who is coordinating the hunt.

 The program is designed for adults and youth 12 years old and older.   There is a $123 fee for the hunter to cover food, lodging and program costs, plus a $27 license. There are scholarships available to cover the registration fee.  

Registration is required. To find out more information or to register, contact A Jay Winter at the Springbrook Conservation Education Center, 641-747-8383 ext 11 or e-mail ajay.winter@dnr.iowa.gov

Deer hunters are busy sighting in their bows, checking trail cameras and putting up tree stands in preparation for the opening of Iowa’s archery deer hunting season on October 1.  The 55,000 bowhunters have been waiting all summer to pursue Iowa’s world class deer that is the envy of hunters from across the United States.

“Bowhunters typically want to be out there early,” said Tom Litchfield, state deer biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.  “They hunt alone or with a friend or two and spend quite a few days in the field.”

 Early in the season, hunting food sources and trails are good strategies.

“Hunters should be aware that the rainfall and flooding we had this spring and summer has impacted the natural forage and crop production and these changes will impact where we are seeing deer this fall,” said Litchfield.

He said the white oak acorn crop that is a prime early fall food for deer is below average statewide.  The red oak acorn crop in central, south-central and southeast is average, is average but spotty in northeast, and below average in western Iowa.

Deciding on which location to set up is part of the pre-hunt preparation.  Another is to go through the equipment, including safety harnesses and tree stands, before opening day. 

“Falls associated with tree stand use are the most common hunting accidents during bow season. Hunters should always wear a safety harness and use caution when climbing,” Litchfield said.  “Remember the lessons of the past – tree stand safety, shot placement and identify your target.  Don’t make a preventable mistake.”

Once a deer is harvested hunters should clean the animal thoroughly and efficiently. Don’t cut into the intestines or stomach contents. 

“If it’s a hot day, and you have to transport the deer a ways, it never hurts to get ice in the cavity to cool it down,” he said.

Doe Harvest Important for Herd Management

Deer numbers are still higher than objective in many parts of southern, central and west-central Iowa. 

Bowhunters are encouraged to help farmers and landowners by taking a couple of does early in the season.  Hunters can donate any deer to the Iowa Food Bank through the DNR’s Help Us Stop Hunger (HUSH) deer donation program.  In 2009, hunters donated more than 7,000 deer resulting in about 300,000 pounds of boneless meat for Iowans in need.  A list of participating lockers is in the Iowa Hunting and Trapping Regulations and online atwww.iowahush.com.

Another antlerless deer hunting opportunity for bowhunters is available in urban areas and state parks listed under special hunts in the Iowa Hunting and Trapping Regulations. 

These hunts often have extra requirements.  Contact the organizations listed for more details.

The first deer hunting opportunities of the year begin Saturday when the youth and disabled hunter deer seasons open.

In 2009, more than 8,700 youth hunters and 250 disabled hunters participated in the seasons, harvesting more than 3,500 deer.  All youth season hunters must be accompanied by an adult mentor, and only one youth hunter is allowed per adult mentor.

“The goal of the youth hunt is for the participating youth to have a positive, enjoyable and ethical experience.  Harvesting a deer should be considered a bonus and not define if the hunt was a success or not,” said Tom Litchfield, deer research biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.  

“Deer will still be in their summer movement patterns for the most part,” he said.  Clover fields and soybeans that are still green would be two good options, as well as trails connecting bedding areas to feeding areas.

“We encourage the mentors to keep in mind the young hunter is not likely to have the patience, stamina or skills of an experienced or mature hunter,” Litchfield said.

He said mentors can have a large influence on the youth hunter and they should not portray harvesting a buck as more important to harvesting a doe.  “Harvesting antlerless deer is an important tool we use to manage our deer herd,” Litchfield said.

The youth and disabled deer hunting seasons are open Sept. 18 to Oct. 3.  Shooting hours are one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.  Hunters using firearms are required to wear blaze orange.  All deer taken must be reported using the harvest reporting system by midnight of the day after the deer is recovered.

Accurately reporting the harvest is an important part of Iowa’s deer management program and plays a vital role in managing deer populations and future hunting opportunities. 

Hunters may report their deer on the DNR’s website www.iowadnr.gov, by calling the toll-free reporting hotline 1-800-771-4692, or at any license vendor.  For hunters with internet access, reporting the harvest online is the easiest way to register the deer.

Bowhunters gather valuable data on Wildlife Trends while deer hunting

For immediate release: April 27, 2010
 
-Iowa Deer Hunters Help State’s Needy
-DNR to Host Public Meeting Tonight on Proposed Wildlife Rules
 

 
1.2 Million Servings of Venison
IOWA DEER HUNTERS help STATE’S NEEDY
 
Des Moines – Iowa deer hunters donated 7,070 deer to the needy by the close of the 2009-10 deer season through the cooperative Help Us Stop Hunger (HUSH) program. Venison from those deer amounted to more than 300,000 pounds or about 1.2 million quarter-pound servings.
Last deer hunting season was the seventh year in which hunters could donate field-dressed deer at nearly 90 lockers around the state. It brought the total to about 40,000 donated deer or 7.1 million servings of venison.
A $1 fee on all deer licenses is collected by the Iowa DNR to pay the lockers $65 per deer in processing costs. The Food Bank of Iowa coordinates distribution of venison to pantries and missions, and it administers payments to lockers, all for $5 per deer.
HUSH coordinator Ross Harrison of the DNR said deer donation numbers are slowly declining, following the overall harvest of deer in the state.
“It is still a great opportunity for hunters to shoot more deer and help reduce deer numbers. Our less fortunate citizens are provided with one of the healthiest sources of red meat, and Iowa lockers are given more business in tough times.”
 
 
Media Contact: Ross Harrison, coordinator, Iowa Department of Natural Resources HUSH program at 515-281-5973
 
  
 
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DNR TO HOST PUBLIC MEETING TONIGHT ON PROPOSED WILDLIFE RULES 
 
DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting a public meeting to discuss a number of new proposed regulations including changes to waterfowl seasons, and the antlerless deer season quotas. The meeting will be conducted over the Iowa Communications Network (ICN) on April 27, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“This is an opportunity for our hunters and people who support wildlife to give us some feedback on these regulations,” said Dale Garner, chief of the DNR’s wildlife bureau.  “We will go over the proposed regulations and seasons and our rational behind each change, and take comments from anyone willing to speak, then, if there is any time remaining, we will open the discussion to other topics.”
The proposed changes include reducing the antlerless deer license quota in 27 counties, increasing the antler deer license quota in three counties, expanding the bobcat season zone in western Iowa and increasing the harvest quota.  Other topics include proposed waterfowl season and the proposed deer hunting seasons.
Any interested person may make written suggestions or comments on the proposed changes on or before April 27, 2010.  Written comments may be sent to the Wildlife Bureau Chief, Department of Natural Resources, Wallace State Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0034; or faxed to (515) 281-6794. 
Any persons who intend to attend the public hearing and have special needs, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the Department of Natural Resources and advise of specific needs.  
The DNR will have staff members from the wildlife bureau at each site to answer questions, and to take any written comments.
 
ICN Locations:
Ames, Ames High School, 20th and Ridgewood
Calmar, South Winneshiek High School, 203 W South Street
Cedar Rapids, National Guard Armory, 10400 18th Street SW
Centerville, National Guard Armory, R.R. 1 Dewey Road
Clinton, Clinton Community College, 1000 Lincoln Boulevard
Council Bluffs, Iowa Western Community College, 2700 College Road
Creston, Southwestern Community College, 1501 West Townline Road
Dubuque, Keystone Area Education Agency, 2310 Chaney Road
Fort Dodge, St. Edmond High School, 501 N 22nd Street
Iowa City, Public Library, 123 South Linn Street
Johnston, Heartland Area Education Agency, 6500 Corporate Drive
Marshalltown, Iowa Valley Community College, 3702 South Center Street
Mason City, North Iowa Area Community College, 500 College Drive
Ottumwa, National Guard Armory, 2858 N Court Road
Sergeant Bluff-Luton, Sergeant Bluff-Luton Senior High School, Port Neal Road
Sheldon, Northwest Iowa Community College, 603 W Park Street
Spencer, Public Library, 21 East Third Street
Waterloo, National Guard Armory, 3306 Airport Boulevard
West Burlington, Southeastern Community College, 1500 West Agency
 
Media Contact: Willie Suchy, Supervisor, Wildlife Research Section, Iowa DNR, 515-281-8660.