Hunters have reported harvesting more than 27,300 deer so far into the 2015 season, which is nearly 4,000 more than was reported in 2013 and 2014 over the same time period.
“It seems like everything has lined up so far this year for early season success. The crops came out a little early so the hunters could see better and the weather has been nice allowing them to spend more time in the treestand,” said Jim Coffey, forest wildlife research technician for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Hunters still have plenty of opportunities to hunt deer.
The archery deer season will temporarily close on Dec. 4, to allow the two shotgun deer seasons to take place: Dec. 5-9 for Shotgun 1 and Dec. 12-20 for Shotgun 2. The late muzzleloader season and archery season open Dec. 21 through Jan. 10.
Hunters are encouraged to share their experience by inviting someone new to enjoy the experience of hunting whitetail deer safely, Coffey said.