blake
Life Member
From the Iowa DNR :
The First of Iowa's Antlerless-only Deer Seasons Begins Friday
Iowa's 3-day November antlerless deer season begins Nov. 28. 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 on November 15 in counties where the antlerless license quota remained unfilled. Shotguns, handguns, muzzleloaders, and bows may be used and party hunting is legal.
Last year about 11,550 licenses were issued with a reported kill of 4,526 deer for a harvest success of 39 percent. Statewide, that represented 5 percent of the reported doe harvest for 2007 and in many of the counties where antlerless licenses were available, the kill represented from 5-12 percent of the reported doe harvest for those counties. Deer harvested during this season represent a positive step towards attaining 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 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.
The November antlerless season is open from November 28 through November 30. Hunting hours are from 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. This is the third year where hunters have reported their kill and it is a very important part of the deer management program in Iowa, playing a vital role in managing deer populations and hunting opportunities. Hunters can report their deer on the DNR website (www.iowadnr.gov), by calling the toll free reporting number (1-800-771-4692), or also at a license vender. For hunters with Internet access, the online reporting of the harvest is a quick and easy way to register your deer.
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.
TURN IN POACHERS!
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