DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a six month workshop to teach skills needed to hunt, field dress and cook white-tailed deer to individuals who have little to no archery hunting experience.
This workshop consists of summer long archery practices, a fall workshop and hunting opportunities throughout Iowa’s archery season. All sessions are lead by instructors that possess the experience to teach skills necessary to become efficient archers and bow hunters.
“For those interested in the challenge of bow hunting as a means of sourcing their own protein or red meat, this program provides the opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge it takes to do it all yourself,” said Jamie Cook, program coordinator with the Iowa DNR.
Participants will spend the summer becoming proficient archers with bows provided by Iowa DNR. As summer progresses, they’ll learn basic strategies for hunting deer such as proper equipment, where to hunt, safe shooting practices and tree stand placement. During the fall, they will learn how to field dress, clean and cook deer from professional butchers and local chefs.
The course will be hosted in Adel, Altoona and Council Bluffs and is geared for participants 21 and older. Applications will be accepted beginning May 26th for all locations. Space is limited so those interested are encourage to apply online right away.
Once accepted, participants will be invited to register for the course. The cost is $238.50 which includes tags, licenses, books and archery loaner equipment. For more information and to begin the application process, go to https://forms.gle/ACJQwij96BdGnw4g8
The program is provided through a partnership with Raised at Full Draw, The Iowa Bowhunters Association, Whitetails Unlimited and various local partners and retailers. It is part of a national effort to recruit, retain and reactivate hunters due to the overall decline in hunting and outdoor recreation.