(Area) The Iowa DNR’s Bow Season begins Saturday.
The season runs into December and will re-open after the completion of the shotgun deer season. “Bow hunters have it made. They have a lot of time and it’s just starting. Almost uninterrupted hunting. Outside of the ten day Early Muzzleloader season which occurs in the third week of October, the bow hunters kind of have the woods to themselves and they take advantage of it. Some of the most quality bucks are taken by bow hunters. They are able to take their time, target certain deer, and really have a great experience.”
Bryan Hayes with the Iowa DNR says tree stand incidents are the leading cause of injuries to hunters. It is recommended to use three points of contact when climbing. “That could be two arms and a leg or two legs and an arm. That three points of contact is important. As always, when you are climbing be cautious of rain, frost, ice, and snow. All that stuff can make those steps slippery.”
Other safety tips include wearing a full body harness, never exceeding the weight limit, inspecting your tree stand for damage before use, and always have a plan or hunt with a friend.
