The first of two Iowa gun seasons for deer opens Saturday. DNR state deer biologist Jace Elliott says harvest numbers started out down for the early youth, archery and muzzleloader seasons due to warm weather.
Elliott says the deer population in some areas is still recovering from a couple of bad years for disease.
Elliott says the colder weather can be a benefit for hunters as it keeps the meat cold and ensures that deer are active.
Elliott says the first gun season had been the most popular for many years, but there’s been a shift.
Elliott says there are no regulation changes this year, but there are still some restrictions for western Iowa.
The first gun season runs through December 10th and the second gun season starts December 13th and runs through the 21st. Hunters are expected to harvest between 55,000 to 60,000 deer during the two gun seasons.
