One of the first firearm hunting seasons is starting up tomorrow.05

According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, early muzzleloader season is October 14th-22nd. DNR Conservation Officer Aaron Arthur tells Raccoon Valley Radio that while the minimum for any firearm deer hunting season is a blaze orange vest, he recommends wearing more to be seen more easily by other hunters. He points out DNR Conservation Officers like himself are not afraid to write citations for not wearing at least a blaze orange vest.

“Big part of our job, on top of checking licenses, is safety violations, and blaze orange is one of those safety violations. It’s kind of like a seat belt (when riding or driving a vehicle). We don’t give a pass on safety when it comes to those things because we’re the ones that have to come out and investigate those things and figure out why did it happen, what could’ve done it to prevent it? And blaze orange, they’ve proven reduces hunting accidents tremendously.”   

Arthur reminds anyone older than 15, they must have a valid hunting license and habitat stamp for any of the hunting seasons. Youth 15 and younger do not need a valid license, but must be with someone who is a licensed hunter.