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Oct. 17, 2024Des Moines, Iowa |  By: Jeremy Werner

Iowa deer hunting off to strong start this year

deer

DES MOINES, Iowa - Deer hunting in Iowa is off to a strong start, with around 6,000 deer registered so far in the youth, disabled hunter, archery, and early muzzleloader seasons.

This number is slightly higher than last year and the five-year average.

With the crop harvest underway and cooler temperatures approaching, deer activity is expected to rise, particularly with the rut in full swing by November, providing prime opportunities for hunters.

Iowa is also facing a moderate outbreak of hemorrhagic disease, with roughly 750 deer mortalities reported statewide.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) continues to spread, with eight new counties detecting their first cases last year, bringing the total to 23 counties.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources encourages hunters to test harvested deer and avoid transporting carcasses across counties to limit the spread of CWD.