The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a six-month hands-on workshop designed to teach participants how to hunt, field dress, and cook white-tailed deer—even if they have little or no prior archery experience.
The program combines summer-long archery practice with fall workshops and hunting opportunities throughout Iowa’s archery season. Experienced instructors will guide participants through every step, helping them gain the skills needed to become confident archers and responsible bowhunters.
“For those interested in the challenge of bow hunting and sourcing their own meat, this program offers a unique opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge to do it all yourself,” said Jamie Cook, Hunter Education Coordinator with the Iowa DNR.
During the summer sessions, participants will practice with compound bows provided by the Iowa Hunter Education Instructor Association. Instruction covers basic hunting strategies, including choosing the right equipment, identifying hunting locations, safe shooting practices, and tree stand placement. In the fall, professional butchers and local chefs will teach participants how to properly field dress, clean, and cook their deer.
The workshops will be held in Ames, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Iowa City, and are open to anyone age 21 and older. Applications are being accepted until June 1, 2026. The course fee is $200, and space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
For more information or to apply, visit the 2026 Field to Fork Application.
The program is made possible through a partnership with the Iowa Hunter Education Instructor Association, local County Conservation Boards, vendors, and the Iowa DNR. It is part of a national initiative aimed at encouraging new participants in hunting and outdoor recreation amid declining participation rates.
