Deer Hunting, Better Late Than Never

The late muzzleloader season begins Dec. 17, and represents the last deer season in the 2007-08 deer hunting cycle where any-sex licenses are available. The season closes on Jan. 10, 2008.

Hunters are faced with a number of challenges during this season with the foremost being that, coming on the heels of the shotgun seasons, there are substantially fewer deer in most areas and those remaining are more sensitive and alert to human disturbances. Also, the weather can be severe during some seasons, testing the dedication of hunters.

On the other hand, the Late Muzzleloader season offers the hunter some advantages too. Severe weather, while testing hunter resolve, also tends to concentrate deer and makes them actively seek out quality food sources. There will also be a second pulse of rutting activity during the first part of the season helping to expose hunter-wary bucks. Finally, of all the Iowa deer seasons with unlimited any-sex licenses available, the late muzzleloader season has the fewest number of hunters afield, so there is more elbow room.

Last year, about 34,500 any-sex and antlerless-only licenses were issued for this season. Hunters reported killing about 9,375 deer with antlered bucks making up 31 percent and does making up 59 percent of the harvest. The estimated 5,500 does taken in the late muzzleloader season represents about 7 percent of Iowa's total doe harvest last year.

Hunters planning to use tree stands are reminded to practice good tree stand safety and to utilize a safety harness at all times. Remember that the colder temperatures and bulky clothing associated with late hunts decreases one's agility and further heightens the need for care. Muzzleloader hunters using a ground blind are not required to display a blaze orange marking that is visible form all directions; this regulation was a new requirement during the shotgun seasons only. However, hunters are required to wear blaze orange when participating in the late muzzleloader hunt.

Hunters are encouraged to harvest adult does and doe fawns to help reduce the deer herds towards the desired population objectives, especially in counties that still have antlerless licenses available. Many areas in eastern and southern Iowa are over herd objectives and harvesting one or two does will help farmers and landowners. Hunters can also utilize the Help Us Stop Hunger (HUSH) program to donate deer to the Iowa Food Bank and provide needed meat for Iowans.

License holders for the youth deer season who did not harvest a deer are eligible to use the license and unused tag during the late muzzleloader season. However, the youth hunter must follow the weapons restrictions that are in place during the season and for their age group (muzzleloading rifle or bow), and be under the direct supervision of an adult mentor.

Hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. All deer harvested must be reported using the harvest reporting system by midnight the day after the deer is recovered. This is the second year where hunters have reported their kill. They can use the DNR website (www.iowadnr.gov) or call the toll free number (1-800-771-4692) to report their harvest. This year they can also report at the license vendor. For hunters with Internet access, online reporting of the harvest is the easiest way to register your deer. The harvest reports are a vital piece of information Iowa DNR biologists need for properly managing Iowa's deer population and hunting opportunities.

For more information, contact Tom Litchfield, state deer biologist at 641-774-2958.