Data regarding populations, hunting, harvest, and biology of Iowa deer (Odocoileus virginianus) gathered by the State Conservation Commission is presented from four ecologically distinct areas. Following 10 consecutive hunting seasons, deer are more abundant and better distributed than before. Abundance through the state is not consistent with available forest habitat. Separate seasons have been permitted for deer of any sex or age by shotgunners and archers on a statewide basis most years. Harvests during recent years have averaged near 20% of an increasing population. Hunting success for gunners during 3-day seasons has been near 45-50%. Bucks outnumber does in the harvest. Fawns comprise 41.7% of the bag. Only 5.8% of the bag has been of deer aged 4½ years or older. Bucks reach maximum weight after 3½ years of age; does at 3½. Weights and antler development reveal significant differences in size and condition exist among deer from four Areas. Weights and antler size average greater for years 1954-62 than in 1953, the first open season. Deer populations in Northeast Iowa are expected to remain stable. Populations in Northern Iowa are believed controlled by hunting more than in other areas because of less protective cover and terrain in northern regions. Southern Iowa is believed to offer the greatest potential for population expansion.
Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science
©1965 Iowa Academy of Science, Inc.
Kline, Paul D.
"Status and Management of the White-tailed Deer in Iowa, 1954-1962,"
Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science, 72(1), 207-217.
Available at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/pias/vol72/iss1/32