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Fewer Deer Harvested in 2012

blake

Life Member
From the Iowa DNR:

Hunters Reported 5,800 Fewer Deer Harvested in 2012


Iowa’s deer harvest declined for the seventh straight year as hunters adjust to the smaller herd, and to fewer antlerless tags. Hunters reported 115,606 deer to the harvest reporting system for the 2012 season, a decline of nearly 5 percent. The harvest is down 23 percent from its high in 2006.

Deer hunters purchased 378,447 licenses, nearly 14,500 fewer than in 2011, due to the elimination of the three-day November antlerless season, a shortening of the January antlerless season, and reduced antlerless license quotas in some counties.

“Hunters are doing their part to help us manage the deer herd by judiciously using available antlerless tags in counties were we would like to reduce the population, and by working with landowners to be more selective in other areas,” said Dr. Dale Garner, chief of Wildlife for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Deer hunting seasons stretch from September to middle January providing different types of hunting opportunities to Iowa hunters.

Deer hunting is also big business in Iowa, providing an economic impact of nearly $214 million, paying more than $15 million in federal taxes and nearly $15 million in state taxes. It supports more than 2,800 jobs, and provides more than $67 million in earnings.

The harvest data will be used as a consideration when the DNR begins the process of discussing hunting seasons later this winter.
 
OK, thanks Blake- that answered question from last post! :)

Fewer licenses bought!!! I'll bet you it's gone down from from 2010 season as well when the Nov season still existed. They use that as the "excuse" along with reduced quotas, etc. As part of that- couldn't they say "far fewer deer in many areas of the state.... Less people "wanting" to hunt, tags filled or getting into hunting, etc, etc". I would venture fewer & fewer tags will be filled & I also think fewer hunters will be out each year when #'s decline. Which to some is fine. But- to some, many rant about wanting new hunters to take on the sport... You think we're in the right direction with that? Let's face it- "good supply of deer" = new hunters having fun, getting hooked, staying "entertained" (vs seeing little or nothing & looking at a squirrel) and hunter numbers increase. Whether you want more hunters or not- it's pretty simple stuff to think about. Thanks Farm Bureau & if you got everything you really wanted- tag sales would be ZERO as there would be no deer left. Thankfully many are here to take the fight back to you on your special interest lobbying & big money to advance the $ interests of a minority of your members.
 
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