Iowa’s Shotgun Deer Season Returns: Dates, Tips, and CWD Awareness

It’s that time of year again! Iowa’s shotgun deer seasons are almost here with one starting this Saturday December 7th! It’s time to check your gear, plan your hunt, and brush up on the latest regulations. Whether you're a first-season hunter or, like me, braving the second season's frigid mornings and chilly afternoons, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a successful hunt. Let’s dive into what you need to know to make the most of this 2024 deer season.

Iowa Deer Season: Key Dates and Regulations

Iowa offers two shotgun seasons, each with unique advantages depending on your hunting preferences:

• Season 1: December 7–11, 2024
• Season 2: December 14–22, 2024

Shooting hours for both seasons are from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. When it comes to regulations, harvest reporting is mandatory for all hunters. After tagging your deer, you must report it within 24 hours. Options for reporting include:

• Texting your registration number to 1-800-771-4692.
• Using the Go Outdoors Iowa app.
• Reporting online at www.iowadnr.gov.
• Visiting a license vendor during regular business hours.

If you harvest a buck, you’ll also need to measure and report whether the main antler beam is over or under 14 inches. To make this easier, your deer tag includes a printed 7-inch ruler.

Season 1 vs. Season 2: Which Fits Your Style?

Both shotgun seasons have their perks and challenges. Choosing one—or both!—depends on your hunting goals, schedule, and tolerance for cold weather.

Season 1 Advantages:

• Milder Weather: Temperatures in early December are usually more manageable, making it ideal if you prefer comfortable conditions.
• Less Pressure on Deer: Since it’s the first opportunity for shotgun hunters, deer may be less wary, increasing your chances of success.

Season 1 Disadvantages:

• Short Duration: With only five days to hunt, time is limited.
• Crowds: As the first shotgun season is highly popular, public hunting areas may feel more crowded.

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Season 2 Advantages:

• Extended Time: The second season spans nine days, offering more flexibility to hunt around work or holiday commitments.
• Post-Rut Activity: Bucks may still be moving as they recover from the rut, and colder temperatures can push deer into predictable patterns, like feeding heavily. If there is ample snow on the ground, they could also be foraging more, depending on how much they gorged before the snow came, and if food plots were run dry or scarce.

Season 2 Disadvantages:

• Harsh Weather: Mid-December can bring freezing temperatures and snow, making it a challenge to stay comfortable in the field. Ha... comfortable and 2nd season rarely go hand-in-hand.
• Educated Deer: By the second season, deer are more cautious due to pressure from Season 1 hunters and earlier archery hunters.

As someone who hunts during the second season, I can attest to the cold being no joke. I’ve spent many mornings wondering if I’d ever feel my toes again, but the thrill of the hunt—and the promise of homemade jerky—keeps me coming back. And, of course, the deer sticks. Last year I had The Butcher Block in Cascade, IA make me some pepper jack cheese filled deer sticks, and they were phenomenal. They’ll definitely be handling my processing again this year, you can count on that! Maybe you'll try a new recipe with your deer, like the one I just saw below, that was sent out through the Iowa DNR's email list.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD): What Every Hunter Needs to Know

CWD is a critical concern for Iowa’s deer population. This fatal disease is caused by prions—misfolded proteins—that are shed in saliva, feces, urine, and even the decomposing remains of infected animals. These prions can remain in the environment for years, infecting other deer. Now, CWD symptoms might not appear for years, but here are the signs to watch for:

• Extreme weight loss or “wasting.”
• Lack of coordination or stumbling.
• Excessive drooling or odd behaviors, such as fearlessness or confusion.

If you notice any of these signs in a deer, contact the Iowa DNR for guidance.

Iowa DNR Rules to Prevent CWD Spread

Carcass Transport: If you hunt outside Iowa in a CWD-affected area, you cannot bring whole carcasses into the state. You can only transport:

• Boned-out meat.
• A clean cape.
• Antlers attached to a clean skull plate, free of brain tissue.

Carcass Disposal: If you hunt in a county where CWD is confirmed, dispose of carcasses in a landfill or bury them on the property where the deer was harvested. Proper disposal prevents the disease from spreading to new areas.

Avoid Baiting: Using mineral licks, feed, or other attractants can congregate deer, increasing the likelihood of disease transmission.

Ok, It's Time to Get That Deer!

Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a big buck or simply looking to fill your freezer like me, Iowa’s shotgun seasons offer unmatched opportunities for hunters. For me, second-season hunting is as much about the experience as the harvest. Yes, it’s cold, but there’s nothing like the satisfaction of turning a successful hunt into meals for the family. And those deer sticks from The Butcher Block? Worth every frosty morning. Stay safe, follow the regulations, and happy hunting Iowa! By the way, over the years I've done lots of deer hunting on private property that connects to the area seen below.