On pace for a similar harvest to last year, Iowa deer hunters shift attention to muzzleloader, archery, antlerless hunts

Male white tailed deer in autumn

Iowa deer hunters are now transitioning to the late muzzleloader and archery seasons after concluding the two shotgun seasons, expecting a harvest similar to last year. These late seasons, known for their solitude, offer opportunities for hunters to pursue their game.

Jace Elliott, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ state deer biologist, anticipates around 15,000-20,000 hunters participating in the late muzzleloader season, projecting a harvest of approximately 10,000 deer. This season attracts hunters seeking a less crowded experience and provides a chance to manage deer herds or secure meat for their freezers, especially by targeting existing food sources.

Although the archery season reopens alongside the late muzzleloader season, historically, fewer deer are harvested during this period compared to the earlier part of the season.

The late muzzleloader and late split archery seasons run from Dec. 18 to Jan. 10, 2024.

The final phases comprise the January antlerless deer-only seasons—Population Management January Antlerless Season and Excess Tag January Antlerless Season—spanning from Jan. 11-21. These seasons vary in their rules and locations.

The Population Management January Antlerless Season is restricted to specific counties with more than 100 available antlerless tags on Dec. 18, such as Allamakee, Appanoose, Decatur, Lucas, Monroe, Wayne, and Winneshiek. Hunters in these areas may utilize various methods of take, including bows, muzzleloaders, handguns, shotguns, crossbows, or rifles .223 caliber and larger.

Conversely, the Excess Tag January Antlerless Season is open in all counties with unsold county antlerless tags on Jan. 11. This season permits the use of rifles from .223 caliber to .500 caliber as a method of take, with licenses available over the counter due to a shorter sales period.

Elliott expects a similar turnout as last year for these seasons, primarily in northeast and southern Iowa counties, where antlerless quotas might not be met by Jan. 10.

Hunters can stay updated on available quotas at iowadnr.gov/Hunting under the “Available Tags, Quota Information” link.

Regarding the overall harvest, tracking data suggests a projection of about 110,000 deer harvested statewide, maintaining a pace close to last year’s numbers.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance has intensified this year due to increased sampling around new positive cases detected in 2022. As of now, 20 deer have either confirmed or suspected cases of CWD, primarily from areas affected by the disease.

For specific details on the late muzzleloader season and January antlerless seasons’ methods of take and dates, refer to the provided information.