How would a deer hunt in the City of Decorah work?

(Left to right): Iowa DNR Wildlife Biologist Ross Ellingson with Decorah Lions Club President Craig Spilde

Iowa DNR Wildlife Depredation Biologist Ross Ellingson has told Decorah Lions Club members the upcoming deer hunt within the city limits will be archery only.

City of Decorah officials have received numerous complaints about damages to gardens, yards and vehicles caused by the deer herd within the city limits.  Ellingson has been asked to suggest remedies which might be employed to reduce deer numbers.

He said that 46 cities and parks in Iowa have established Deer Management Zone Hunts to control whitetail populations.  These hunts are archery hunting only, usually for antlerless deer, with an emphasis on harvesting adult does, although some areas have allowed a bonus buck license after a hunter has removed a set number of does. 

Ellingson said that cities are able to establish local regulations to meet special needs, such as requiring the use of elevated stands, which must be a set a certain distance from trails and providing for check stations in addition to the electronic harvest reporting required of all deer hunters.  The city could require an archery proficiency test as well as provide hunter education.

Most Deer Management Zone Hunts run from the middle of September to January 10th and remain open during the shotgun season.

Ellingson said he will continue to assist city officials as they search for ways to control Decorah's deer population.