(Des Moines) The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has published its first county-level deer density report.
The report confirms that deer populations thrive in areas with intact habitats, particularly in south-central and northeastern Iowa. The study estimates the economic value of deer in the state at 181 million dollars.
This report was conducted in response to a 2022 law requiring a comprehensive deer population study every three years to assess wildlife’s impact on agriculture and ecosystems.
Meanwhile, despite warm weather persisting in much of the state, roughly 6,000 deer have been registered so far through the youth and disabled hunter seasons and the opening of the archery and early muzzleloader seasons, which is slightly higher than last year and the five-year average.
The crop harvest, cooling temperatures, and approaching rut should increase deer activity, leading to tremendous harvest success.
The long-anticipated rut, which will be in full swing by November, is when mature bucks spend much of their time actively tending and searching for does during daylight hours.
A significant factor in Iowa’s world-renowned buck quality is that hunting during the rut—when bucks are most vulnerable—is restricted to compound and traditional bows.
The archery season runs through Dec. 6, then closes for the two regular gun seasons before re-opening Dec. 23 through Jan. 10, 2025. The early muzzleloader season closes Oct. 20.
