Many small game hunting seasons have already started in Iowa, but a big game animal will come into season this weekend for some residents.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer for Guthrie County Jeremy King says that teal, dove, squirrel and rabbit seasons have already started in the state, and that on opening weekend he was seeing some good numbers of hunters. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio that with some more hunting seasons coming up, the first is for many hunters’ favorites.

“So the youth and disabled deer season will open September 16th, and it’ll run through October 1st. With that, you can start buying your deer tags as of August 15th. So deer tags statewide went on sale where you could buy your statewide tag, and then you’re allowed to buy one antlerless tag until September 15th. So when September 15th comes around, then you are allowed to buy as many deer tags that are allowed still for whatever area you’re trying to purchase them for.”

King mentions that for youth and disabled hunters that purchase their tags before October 1st, the tag will be good for any other deer season this year that they may wish to try hunting in. He adds that October 1st is also the first day of archery season for deer. King explains that for this youth and disabled season, a good tip is to watch bodies of water because of how dry the area has been, and that deer are susceptible to patterns at this time.