Iowa’s popular early muzzleloader deer season begins Saturday. The season is an
Hunters can expect deer behavior to begin changing as the breeding season, or rut, gets closer. Bucks are starting to show signs of preparing for the rut by making scrapes and rubs. Some cool weather may cause an increase in this behavior.
Deer will have plenty of places to hide as the harvest has been delayed due to cold and wet conditions. They will likely be seeking out any remaining green browse and acorns, if available. Stand sites that take advantage of these food resources or trails connecting them to bedding areas are good bets during this season.
Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) that impacted the deer herd in certain local areas was not reported in 2014. Deer will begin moving in to those areas where a void was created by the disease in 2012 and 2013.
Muzzleloader hunters should remember that well camouflaged bowhunters and others who enjoy the fall countryside will be sharing the woods with them. Hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset and muzzleloader hunters are required to wear blaze orange
All deer taken must be reported using the harvest reporting system by midnight the day after the deer is recovered. Accurately reporting your kill is an important part of the deer management program in Iowa, playing a vital role in managing deer populations and future hunting opportunities. Hunters can report their deer online at www.iowadnr.gov, by calling 1-800-771-4692 or at any license vendor. For hunters with Internet access, the online reporting of your harvest is the easiest way to register your deer.
Last year, early muzzleloader hunters reported harvesting about 2,950 deer.
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