Iowa’s youth deer season gets underway Saturday, September 19, giving thousands of young hunters the opportunity to experience deer hunting alongside an adult mentor.
According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, about 10,000 young hunters are expected to take part this year. The youth season runs through October 4 and is designed as a mentor-style hunt, giving young hunters a chance to learn about deer behavior, hunting techniques and, most importantly, firearm and hunting safety.
For many participants, this could be their first deer hunt. The DNR encourages mentors to focus on making the experience positive, enjoyable and ethical. Harvesting a deer is considered a bonus — not the measure of a successful hunt.
Youth hunters must remain under the direct supervision of an adult mentor and have the required license and habitat fee, if applicable. The youth license is valid statewide for any legal deer. Party hunting is not allowed with a youth tag, meaning the deer must be harvested by the youth who holds the tag.
The youth season also coincides with Iowa’s disabled hunter deer season, with both seasons running September 19 through October 4.
Hunters should also be prepared for potentially mild temperatures and biting insects. The DNR recommends planning ahead for processing a deer, including having ice available and contacting a locker before the hunt.
Any deer harvested must be reported by midnight the day after it is recovered. Hunters can report their harvest through the Iowa DNR website, by calling 1-800-771-4692, or at a license vendor.
For young hunters and their mentors, the DNR says the first deer hunt can create memories that last a lifetime.
Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources
