As autumn makes it’s return to south central Iowa, so does hunting season.

Youth deer hunting season opens today. Iowa DNR Conservation Officer Ken Kenyon says this season provides an opportunity to teach youth hunters about deer hunting, wildlife behavior, and safe hunting practices from a licensed adult. The two week period also coincides with disabled hunter deer season for hunters who meet certain criteria. The season ends on Sunday. October 5th.

Youth, Disabled Hunter Season Details(from the DNR:)
Saturday will find thousands of young hunters in stands or posted along field edges or funnel points in the woods. As Iowa’s Youth Deer hunting season opens, a bow, shotgun or muzzleloader can be used, with the requirements specific to the season, such as blaze orange clothing. Last year, about 10,000 young hunters took part. Each must be under direct supervision of an adult mentor, with a valid license and habitat fee (if required). The youth license is valid statewide. Additionally, a couple hundred disabled hunters will be active across Iowa. Each season runs September 20 through October 5. An unfilled youth season tag may be used during the early or late muzzleloader season or one of the two shotgun seasons ONLY. That youth must follow all other rules specified for each season. However party hunting with a youth tag is not allowed. A deer must be harvested by the youth with the tag. However, that tag holder may obtain deer tags for other season, just as any other hunter can do.