DEER - Revision history

Randylyon at 03:44, 12 January 2024

2024-01-12T03:44:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:44, 12 January 2024
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	The return of the white-tailed deer as a major game species in Iowa is due to good landowner attitude and progressive management, research and enforcement programs. A conservative estimate of the population in 1936 placed statewide numbers at between 500 and 700 animals. This small herd grew steadily. By 1950 deer were reported in most counties and the statewide estimate topped 10,000. Concentrations in some areas began to cause problems by damaging crops.		The return of the white-tailed deer as a major game species in Iowa is due to good landowner attitude and progressive management, research and enforcement programs. A conservative estimate of the population in 1936 placed statewide numbers at between 500 and 700 animals. This small herd grew steadily. By 1950 deer were reported in most counties and the statewide estimate topped 10,000. Concentrations in some areas began to cause problems by damaging crops.

	The first modern deer season was held in December of 1953 and 4,000 deer were killed. In 2010 the deer herd is estimated to be about 200,000 after the hunting season; harvests have approached 100,000 in recent years.		The first modern deer season was held in December of 1953 and 4,000 deer were killed. In 2010 the deer herd was estimated to be about 200,000 after the hunting season; harvests have approached 100,000 in recent years.

	Although deer are normally associated with forested areas, deer will use many different types of habitat as long as the area provides adequate cover. Deer use almost all plants for food at one time or another during the year.		Although deer are normally associated with forested areas, deer will use many different types of habitat as long as the area provides adequate cover. Deer use almost all plants for food at one time or another during the year.
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	Deer in Iowa are very mobile. Although many deer stay near the area where they were born, many leave and travel to new areas before establishing a core area. These core areas may change seasonally with deer shifting between wintering areas and breeding areas. These movements allow deer to fill voids left open due to deaths and easily move into new areas when habitat is suitable. High rates of movement occur during 2 periods of the year. The first is in the spring when deer move to their fawning areas. Many of last year's fawns are forced to find areas of their own at this time. The second period is in the fall during the breeding season. The breeding season begins in mid-October and runs through mid-January, although the peak of activity occurs during the first 3 weeks of November.		Deer in Iowa are very mobile. Although many deer stay near the area where they were born, many leave and travel to new areas before establishing a core area. These core areas may change seasonally with deer shifting between wintering areas and breeding areas. These movements allow deer to fill voids left open due to deaths and easily move into new areas when habitat is suitable. High rates of movement occur during 2 periods of the year. The first is in the spring when deer move to their fawning areas. Many of last year's fawns are forced to find areas of their own at this time. The second period is in the fall during the breeding season. The breeding season begins in mid-October and runs through mid-January, although the peak of activity occurs during the first 3 weeks of November.

	Unchecked, Iowa's deer herd could grow at a rate of 20% to 40% each year. At this rate, deer numbers would double in as few as 3 years. With Iowa's abundant agricultural crops providing food, densities could potentially reach 100 or more deer per square mile before natural ~~regulatory mechanisms~~ would begin to affect deer health and slow the rate of growth. Deer numbers this high would cause economic hardship to Iowa's landowners as well as alter the natural ~~vegetative community~~. Maintaining a deer population in balance with the wants and needs of the people in the state is a difficult task, but hunting is the only viable management option to achieve this goal. (2)		Unchecked, Iowa's deer herd could grow at a rate of 20% to 40% each year. At this rate, deer numbers would double in as few as 3 years. With Iowa's abundant agricultural crops providing food, densities could potentially reach 100 or more deer per square mile before natural events like disease would begin to affect deer health and slow the rate of growth. Deer numbers this high would cause economic hardship to Iowa's landowners as well as alter the natural vegetation. Maintaining a deer population in balance with the wants and needs of the people in the state is a difficult task, but hunting is the only viable management option to achieve this goal. (2)

	The urban deer population within Dubuque:		The urban deer population within Dubuque:

Randylyon at 03:41, 12 January 2024

2024-01-12T03:41:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:41, 12 January 2024
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	[[Image:deer.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|]]DEER. White-tailed deer were reported to be quite abundant when white settlers arrived in Iowa in the early 1800s. The clearing and cultivating of land for agriculture may have ~~initially~~ improved the suitability of the landscape for deer, however, uncontrolled hunting for food and hides rapidly reduced deer numbers. By 1880 deer were rarely sighted in much of the state. In 1898 the deer season was legally closed. By this time deer had been virtually eliminated from all parts of the state.		[[Image:deer.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|]]DEER. White-tailed deer were reported to be quite abundant when white settlers arrived in Iowa in the early 1800s. The clearing and cultivating of land for agriculture may have improved the suitability of the landscape for deer, however, uncontrolled hunting for food and hides rapidly reduced deer numbers. By 1880 deer were rarely sighted in much of the state. In 1898 the deer season was legally closed. By this time deer had been virtually eliminated from all parts of the state. (1)

	The return of the white-tailed deer as a major game species in Iowa is ~~a tribute~~ to good landowner attitude and progressive management, research and enforcement programs. ~~(1)~~ A conservative estimate of the population in 1936 placed statewide numbers at between 500 and 700 animals. This small herd grew steadily. By 1950 deer were reported in most counties and the statewide estimate topped 10,000. Concentrations in some areas began to cause problems by damaging crops.		The return of the white-tailed deer as a major game species in Iowa is due to good landowner attitude and progressive management, research and enforcement programs. A conservative estimate of the population in 1936 placed statewide numbers at between 500 and 700 animals. This small herd grew steadily. By 1950 deer were reported in most counties and the statewide estimate topped 10,000. Concentrations in some areas began to cause problems by damaging crops.

	The first modern deer season was held in December of 1953 and 4,000 deer were killed. In 2010 the deer herd is estimated to be about 200,000 after the hunting season; harvests have approached 100,000 in recent years.		The first modern deer season was held in December of 1953 and 4,000 deer were killed. In 2010 the deer herd is estimated to be about 200,000 after the hunting season; harvests have approached 100,000 in recent years.

	Although deer are normally associated with forested areas, deer will use many different types of habitat as long as the area provides adequate cover. Deer use almost all plants for food at one time or another during the year.		Although deer are normally associated with forested areas, deer will use many different types of habitat as long as the area provides adequate cover. Deer use almost all plants for food at one time or another during the year.

	The white-tail's ability to thrive in Iowa is probably the result of an abundant, reliable food source and a winter climate where snow depths rarely exceed 12" for a prolonged length of time. These factors allow deer to come through the winter in excellent condition. Excellent nutrition also enable deer to have high reproductive rates. Many deer in Iowa have a single fawn their first year and 2 fawns each subsequent year. Deer in the wild can probably maintain these high reproductive rates until they are 10 years old. Past research in Iowa has found that 8% to 12% of adult does have 3 fawns.		The white-tail's ability to thrive in Iowa is probably the result of an abundant, reliable food source and a winter climate where snow depths rarely exceed 12" for a prolonged length of time. These factors allow deer to come through the winter in excellent condition. Excellent nutrition also enable deer to have high reproductive rates. Many deer in Iowa have a single fawn their first year and 2 fawns each subsequent year. Deer in the wild can probably maintain these high reproductive rates until they are 10 years old. Past research in Iowa has found that 8% to 12% of adult does have 3 fawns.

	Deer in Iowa are very mobile. Although many deer stay near the area where they were born, many leave and travel to new areas before establishing a core area. These core areas may change seasonally with deer shifting between wintering areas and breeding areas. These movements allow deer to fill voids left open due to deaths and easily ~~pioneer~~ into new areas when habitat is suitable. High rates of movement occur during 2 periods of the year. The first is in the spring when deer move to their fawning areas. Many of last ~~years~~ fawns are forced to find areas of their own at this time. The second period is in the fall during the breeding season. The breeding season begins in mid-October and runs through mid-January, although the peak of activity occurs during the first 3 weeks of November.		Deer in Iowa are very mobile. Although many deer stay near the area where they were born, many leave and travel to new areas before establishing a core area. These core areas may change seasonally with deer shifting between wintering areas and breeding areas. These movements allow deer to fill voids left open due to deaths and easily move into new areas when habitat is suitable. High rates of movement occur during 2 periods of the year. The first is in the spring when deer move to their fawning areas. Many of last year's fawns are forced to find areas of their own at this time. The second period is in the fall during the breeding season. The breeding season begins in mid-October and runs through mid-January, although the peak of activity occurs during the first 3 weeks of November.

	Unchecked, Iowa's deer herd could grow at a rate of 20% to 40% each year. At this rate, deer numbers would double in as few as 3 years. With Iowa's abundant agricultural crops providing food, densities could potentially reach 100 or more deer per square mile before natural regulatory mechanisms would begin to affect deer health and slow the rate of growth. Deer numbers this high would cause economic hardship to Iowa's landowners as well as alter the natural vegetative community. Maintaining a deer population in balance with the wants and needs of the people in the state is a difficult task, but hunting is the only viable management option to achieve this goal.		Unchecked, Iowa's deer herd could grow at a rate of 20% to 40% each year. At this rate, deer numbers would double in as few as 3 years. With Iowa's abundant agricultural crops providing food, densities could potentially reach 100 or more deer per square mile before natural regulatory mechanisms would begin to affect deer health and slow the rate of growth. Deer numbers this high would cause economic hardship to Iowa's landowners as well as alter the natural vegetative community. Maintaining a deer population in balance with the wants and needs of the people in the state is a difficult task, but hunting is the only viable management option to achieve this goal. (2)

	The urban deer population within Dubuque:		The urban deer population within Dubuque:
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	2010---407		2010---407

	In July, 1997 the city's Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission sponsored a forum at which a majority of those in attendance stated their belief the city faced a deer problem. On the advise of the environmental commission, the city council voted to pay the natural resources council up to $2,500 to count the number of deer in the city by helicopter. (1)		In July, 1997 the city's Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission sponsored a forum at which a majority of those in attendance stated their belief the city faced a deer problem. On the advise of the environmental commission, the city council voted to pay the natural resources council up to $2,500 to count the number of deer in the city by helicopter. (3)

	Dubuque's urban bow and arrow deer hunts began in 1997. Despite the first hunt, health officials in 1998 worried that if more was not done soon, the deer population in Dubuque would climb to an unmanageable 200 per square mile within the next decade. Some of the largest concentrations included a herd of about 120 near [[EAGLE POINT PARK]] with nearly sixty spotted around [[WARTBURG THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY]] and the [[DUBUQUE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB]]. Hunters with valid safety cards had to pass a proficiency test which required hitting a 10-inch target with three of five arrows from twenty yards. Hunters would also have to report when and where they shot a deer. (2)		Dubuque's urban bow and arrow deer hunts began in 1997. Despite the first hunt, health officials in 1998 worried that if more was not done soon, the deer population in Dubuque would climb to an unmanageable 200 per square mile within the next decade. Some of the largest concentrations included a herd of about 120 near [[EAGLE POINT PARK]] with nearly sixty spotted around [[WARTBURG THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY]] and the [[DUBUQUE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB]]. Hunters with valid safety cards had to pass a proficiency test which required hitting a 10-inch target with three of five arrows from twenty yards. Hunters would also have to report when and where they shot a deer. (4)

	[[Image:deerhrvested.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|City of Dubuque]]		[[Image:deerhrvested.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|City of Dubuque]]
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	* Monitor for and prevent the spread of		* Monitor for and prevent the spread of
	Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) (4)		Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) (5)

	Responsibility for the future of deer in Iowa depends upon the cooperation of hunters and landowners, preservation of critical timber habitat, legislative support and continued professional management of the resource. (5) Areas designated for hunting ~~in 2010~~ included [[BUNKER HILL GOLF COURSE]], Eagle Point Park, [[MARSHALL PARK]], [[MEDICAL ASSOCIATES CLINIC PC (THE)]] west campus, [[VETERANS' MEMORIAL PARK]], FDR Park, and 23 acres south of the Fremont Avenue bridge. (6)		Responsibility for the future of deer in Iowa depends upon the cooperation of hunters and landowners, preservation of critical timber habitat, legislative support and continued professional management of the resource. (6) Areas designated for hunting included [[BUNKER HILL GOLF COURSE]], Eagle Point Park, [[MARSHALL PARK]], [[MEDICAL ASSOCIATES CLINIC PC (THE)]] west campus, [[VETERANS' MEMORIAL PARK]], FDR Park, and 23 acres south of the Fremont Avenue bridge. (7)

	---		---
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	Source:		Source:

	1. Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Deer ~~Hunting in Iowa~~, Online: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/~~Deer-Hunting~~		1. Iowa Department of Natural Resources, "Iowa's White-Tail Deer," Online: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Portals/idnr/uploads/Hunting/deer_information.pdf

	2. ~~McDermott~~, ~~Brad. "Does and Don'ts," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 24~~, ~~1997, p. 1.~~ Online: https://~~news~~.~~google~~.~~com~~/~~newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19970724&printsec=frontpage&hl=en~~		2. Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Deer Hunting in Iowa, Online: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/Deer-Hunting

	3. ~~Wilkinson~~, ~~Jennifer~~. "~~City Proposes Bow Hunt on Deer Herd~~," ''Telegraph Herald'', ~~May 9~~, ~~1998~~, p. 1. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=~~19980509~~&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		3. McDermott, Brad. "Does and Don'ts," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 24, 1997, p. 1. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19970724&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	4. City ~~of Dubuque--~~Deer ~~Management Program 2023-2024~~		4. Wilkinson, Jennifer. "City Proposes Bow Hunt on Deer Herd," ''Telegraph Herald'', May 9, 1998, p. 1. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19980509&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	5. ~~Iowa Department~~ of ~~Natural Resources~~		5. City of Dubuque--Deer Management Program 2023-2024

	6. Deer Management Program, Online: https://www.cityofdubuque.org/DocumentCenter/View/41356/Deer-Brochure-2023-2024?bidId=		6. Iowa Department of Natural Resources

			7. Deer Management Program, Online: https://www.cityofdubuque.org/DocumentCenter/View/41356/Deer-Brochure-2023-2024?bidId=

	[[Category: Animals]]		[[Category: Animals]]

Randylyon at 03:30, 12 January 2024

2024-01-12T03:30:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:30, 12 January 2024
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	deer hunters on their property		deer hunters on their property


	* Discourage citizens from feeding deer		* Discourage citizens from feeding deer

Randylyon at 03:29, 12 January 2024

2024-01-12T03:29:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:29, 12 January 2024
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	* Discourage citizens from feeding deer		* Discourage citizens from feeding deer

	* Monitor for and prevent the spread of		* Monitor for and prevent the spread of
	Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) (4)		Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) (4)

	Responsibility for the future of deer in Iowa depends upon the cooperation of hunters and landowners, preservation of critical timber habitat, legislative support and continued professional management of the resource. (5) Areas designated for hunting in 2010 included [[BUNKER HILL GOLF COURSE]], Eagle Point Park, [[MARSHALL PARK]], [[MEDICAL ASSOCIATES CLINIC PC (THE)]] west campus, [[VETERANS' MEMORIAL PARK]], FDR Park, and 23 acres south of the Fremont Avenue bridge. (6)		Responsibility for the future of deer in Iowa depends upon the cooperation of hunters and landowners, preservation of critical timber habitat, legislative support and continued professional management of the resource. (5) Areas designated for hunting in 2010 included [[BUNKER HILL GOLF COURSE]], Eagle Point Park, [[MARSHALL PARK]], [[MEDICAL ASSOCIATES CLINIC PC (THE)]] west campus, [[VETERANS' MEMORIAL PARK]], FDR Park, and 23 acres south of the Fremont Avenue bridge. (6)

Randylyon at 03:28, 12 January 2024

2024-01-12T03:28:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:28, 12 January 2024
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	* Discourage citizens from feeding deer		* Discourage citizens from feeding deer

	* Monitor for and prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting
	~~Disease (CWD) (4)~~

			* Monitor for and prevent the spread of
			Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) (4)

	Responsibility for the future of deer in Iowa depends upon the cooperation of hunters and landowners, preservation of critical timber habitat, legislative support and continued professional management of the resource. (5) Areas designated for hunting in 2010 included [[BUNKER HILL GOLF COURSE]], Eagle Point Park, [[MARSHALL PARK]], [[MEDICAL ASSOCIATES CLINIC PC (THE)]] west campus, [[VETERANS' MEMORIAL PARK]], FDR Park, and 23 acres south of the Fremont Avenue bridge. (6)		Responsibility for the future of deer in Iowa depends upon the cooperation of hunters and landowners, preservation of critical timber habitat, legislative support and continued professional management of the resource. (5) Areas designated for hunting in 2010 included [[BUNKER HILL GOLF COURSE]], Eagle Point Park, [[MARSHALL PARK]], [[MEDICAL ASSOCIATES CLINIC PC (THE)]] west campus, [[VETERANS' MEMORIAL PARK]], FDR Park, and 23 acres south of the Fremont Avenue bridge. (6)

Randylyon at 03:27, 12 January 2024

2024-01-12T03:27:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:27, 12 January 2024
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	* Limit deer populations within defined areas in the ~~city~~ of Dubuque below 20 deer per square mile.		* Limit deer populations within defined areas in the
			City of Dubuque below 20 deer per square mile.

	* Provide public education regarding deer, their habitats, impact on natural habitats, deterrents		* Provide public education regarding deer, their habitats,
	~~and population~~ management, cost of property ~~damagif~~ nothing is done, and potential health risks		impact on natural habitats, deterrents and population
	resulting from a large ~~eer~~ population to citizens of Dubuque and to deer		management, cost of property damage if nothing is done,
			and potential health risks resulting from a large deer
			population to citizens of Dubuque and to deer

	* Encourage eligible property owners to allow qualified deer hunters on their property		* Encourage eligible property owners to allow qualified
			deer hunters on their property


	* Discourage citizens from feeding deer		* Discourage citizens from feeding deer

	* Monitor for and prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) (4)		* Monitor for and prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting
			Disease (CWD) (4)

Randylyon at 03:24, 12 January 2024

2024-01-12T03:24:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:24, 12 January 2024
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	Dubuque's urban bow and arrow deer hunts began in 1997. Despite the first hunt, health officials in 1998 worried that if more was not done soon, the deer population in Dubuque would climb to an unmanageable 200 per square mile within the next decade. Some of the largest concentrations included a herd of about 120 near [[EAGLE POINT PARK]] with nearly sixty spotted around [[WARTBURG THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY]] and the [[DUBUQUE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB]]. Hunters with valid safety cards had to pass a proficiency test which required hitting a 10-inch target with three of five arrows from twenty yards. Hunters would also have to report when and where they shot a deer. (2)		Dubuque's urban bow and arrow deer hunts began in 1997. Despite the first hunt, health officials in 1998 worried that if more was not done soon, the deer population in Dubuque would climb to an unmanageable 200 per square mile within the next decade. Some of the largest concentrations included a herd of about 120 near [[EAGLE POINT PARK]] with nearly sixty spotted around [[WARTBURG THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY]] and the [[DUBUQUE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB]]. Hunters with valid safety cards had to pass a proficiency test which required hitting a 10-inch target with three of five arrows from twenty yards. Hunters would also have to report when and where they shot a deer. (2)

	[[Image:deerhrvested.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|]]		[[Image:deerhrvested.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|City of Dubuque]]

			A program to control excess deer within the city limits and the surrounding area had the following goals for the Sept. 2023-January, 2024 season:

	Responsibility for the future of deer in Iowa depends upon the cooperation of hunters and landowners, preservation of critical timber habitat, legislative support and continued professional management of the resource. (4) Areas designated for hunting in 2010 included [[BUNKER HILL GOLF COURSE]], Eagle Point Park, [[MARSHALL PARK]], [[MEDICAL ASSOCIATES CLINIC PC (THE)]] west campus, [[VETERANS' MEMORIAL PARK]], FDR Park, and 23 acres south of the Fremont Avenue bridge. (5)

			* Limit deer populations within defined areas in the city of Dubuque below 20 deer per square mile.

			* Provide public education regarding deer, their habitats, impact on natural habitats, deterrents
			and population management, cost of property damagif nothing is done, and potential health risks
			resulting from a large eer population to citizens of Dubuque and to deer

			* Encourage eligible property owners to allow qualified deer hunters on their property


			* Discourage citizens from feeding deer

			* Monitor for and prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) (4)


			Responsibility for the future of deer in Iowa depends upon the cooperation of hunters and landowners, preservation of critical timber habitat, legislative support and continued professional management of the resource. (5) Areas designated for hunting in 2010 included [[BUNKER HILL GOLF COURSE]], Eagle Point Park, [[MARSHALL PARK]], [[MEDICAL ASSOCIATES CLINIC PC (THE)]] west campus, [[VETERANS' MEMORIAL PARK]], FDR Park, and 23 acres south of the Fremont Avenue bridge. (6)

	---		---
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	3. Wilkinson, Jennifer. "City Proposes Bow Hunt on Deer Herd," ''Telegraph Herald'', May 9, 1998, p. 1. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19980509&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		3. Wilkinson, Jennifer. "City Proposes Bow Hunt on Deer Herd," ''Telegraph Herald'', May 9, 1998, p. 1. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19980509&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	4. Iowa Department of Natural Resources		4. City of Dubuque--Deer Management Program 2023-2024

			5. Iowa Department of Natural Resources

	5. Deer Management Program, Online: https://www.cityofdubuque.org/DocumentCenter/View/41356/Deer-Brochure-2023-2024?bidId=		6. Deer Management Program, Online: https://www.cityofdubuque.org/DocumentCenter/View/41356/Deer-Brochure-2023-2024?bidId=

	[[Category: Animals]]		[[Category: Animals]]

Randylyon at 03:01, 12 January 2024

2024-01-12T03:01:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:01, 12 January 2024
Line 45:		Line 45:
	Dubuque's urban bow and arrow deer hunts began in 1997. Despite the first hunt, health officials in 1998 worried that if more was not done soon, the deer population in Dubuque would climb to an unmanageable 200 per square mile within the next decade. Some of the largest concentrations included a herd of about 120 near [[EAGLE POINT PARK]] with nearly sixty spotted around [[WARTBURG THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY]] and the [[DUBUQUE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB]]. Hunters with valid safety cards had to pass a proficiency test which required hitting a 10-inch target with three of five arrows from twenty yards. Hunters would also have to report when and where they shot a deer. (2)		Dubuque's urban bow and arrow deer hunts began in 1997. Despite the first hunt, health officials in 1998 worried that if more was not done soon, the deer population in Dubuque would climb to an unmanageable 200 per square mile within the next decade. Some of the largest concentrations included a herd of about 120 near [[EAGLE POINT PARK]] with nearly sixty spotted around [[WARTBURG THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY]] and the [[DUBUQUE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB]]. Hunters with valid safety cards had to pass a proficiency test which required hitting a 10-inch target with three of five arrows from twenty yards. Hunters would also have to report when and where they shot a deer. (2)

	[[Image:~~deerharvested~~.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|]]		[[Image:deerhrvested.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|]]

Randylyon at 03:00, 12 January 2024

2024-01-12T03:00:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:00, 12 January 2024
Line 45:		Line 45:
	Dubuque's urban bow and arrow deer hunts began in 1997. Despite the first hunt, health officials in 1998 worried that if more was not done soon, the deer population in Dubuque would climb to an unmanageable 200 per square mile within the next decade. Some of the largest concentrations included a herd of about 120 near [[EAGLE POINT PARK]] with nearly sixty spotted around [[WARTBURG THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY]] and the [[DUBUQUE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB]]. Hunters with valid safety cards had to pass a proficiency test which required hitting a 10-inch target with three of five arrows from twenty yards. Hunters would also have to report when and where they shot a deer. (2)		Dubuque's urban bow and arrow deer hunts began in 1997. Despite the first hunt, health officials in 1998 worried that if more was not done soon, the deer population in Dubuque would climb to an unmanageable 200 per square mile within the next decade. Some of the largest concentrations included a herd of about 120 near [[EAGLE POINT PARK]] with nearly sixty spotted around [[WARTBURG THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY]] and the [[DUBUQUE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB]]. Hunters with valid safety cards had to pass a proficiency test which required hitting a 10-inch target with three of five arrows from twenty yards. Hunters would also have to report when and where they shot a deer. (2)

			[[Image:deerharvested.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|]]

Randylyon at 02:58, 12 January 2024

2024-01-12T02:58:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:58, 12 January 2024
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	[[Image:deer.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|]]DEER. White-tailed deer were reported to be quite abundant when white settlers arrived in Iowa in the early 1800s. The clearing and cultivating of land for agriculture may have initially improved the suitability of the landscape for deer, however, uncontrolled hunting for food and hides rapidly reduced deer numbers. By 1880 deer were rarely sighted in much of the state. In 1898 the deer season was legally closed. By this time deer had been virtually eliminated from all parts of the state.		[[Image:deer.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|]]DEER. White-tailed deer were reported to be quite abundant when white settlers arrived in Iowa in the early 1800s. The clearing and cultivating of land for agriculture may have initially improved the suitability of the landscape for deer, however, uncontrolled hunting for food and hides rapidly reduced deer numbers. By 1880 deer were rarely sighted in much of the state. In 1898 the deer season was legally closed. By this time deer had been virtually eliminated from all parts of the state.

	The ~~reestablishment~~ of deer ~~into the state can be traced~~ to ~~escapes~~ and ~~releases from captive herds~~ and ~~natural immigration from deer herds in surrounding states~~. A conservative estimate of the population in 1936 placed statewide numbers at between 500 and 700 animals. This small herd grew steadily. By 1950 deer were reported in most counties and the statewide estimate topped 10,000. Concentrations in some areas began to cause problems by damaging crops.		The return of the white-tailed deer as a major game species in Iowa is a tribute to good landowner attitude and progressive management, research and enforcement programs. (1) A conservative estimate of the population in 1936 placed statewide numbers at between 500 and 700 animals. This small herd grew steadily. By 1950 deer were reported in most counties and the statewide estimate topped 10,000. Concentrations in some areas began to cause problems by damaging crops.

	The first modern deer season was held in December of 1953 and 4,000 deer were killed. In 2010 the deer herd is estimated to be about 200,000 after the hunting season; harvests have approached 100,000 in recent years.		The first modern deer season was held in December of 1953 and 4,000 deer were killed. In 2010 the deer herd is estimated to be about 200,000 after the hunting season; harvests have approached 100,000 in recent years.
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	Deer in Iowa are very mobile. Although many deer stay near the area where they were born, many leave and travel to new areas before establishing a core area. These core areas may change seasonally with deer shifting between wintering areas and breeding areas. These movements allow deer to fill voids left open due to deaths and easily pioneer into new areas when habitat is suitable. High rates of movement occur during 2 periods of the year. The first is in the spring when deer move to their fawning areas. Many of last years fawns are forced to find areas of their own at this time. The second period is in the fall during the breeding season. The breeding season begins in mid-October and runs through mid-January, although the peak of activity occurs during the first 3 weeks of November.		Deer in Iowa are very mobile. Although many deer stay near the area where they were born, many leave and travel to new areas before establishing a core area. These core areas may change seasonally with deer shifting between wintering areas and breeding areas. These movements allow deer to fill voids left open due to deaths and easily pioneer into new areas when habitat is suitable. High rates of movement occur during 2 periods of the year. The first is in the spring when deer move to their fawning areas. Many of last years fawns are forced to find areas of their own at this time. The second period is in the fall during the breeding season. The breeding season begins in mid-October and runs through mid-January, although the peak of activity occurs during the first 3 weeks of November.

	Unchecked, Iowa's deer herd could grow at a rate of 20% to 40% each year. At this rate, deer numbers would double in as few as 3 years. With Iowa's abundant ~~agricultual~~ crops providing food, densities could potentially reach 100 or more deer per square mile before natural regulatory mechanisms would begin to affect deer health and slow the rate of growth. Deer numbers this high would cause economic hardship to Iowa's landowners as well as alter the natural vegetative community. Maintaining a deer population in balance with the wants and needs of the people in the state is a difficult task, but hunting is the only viable management option to achieve this goal.		Unchecked, Iowa's deer herd could grow at a rate of 20% to 40% each year. At this rate, deer numbers would double in as few as 3 years. With Iowa's abundant agricultural crops providing food, densities could potentially reach 100 or more deer per square mile before natural regulatory mechanisms would begin to affect deer health and slow the rate of growth. Deer numbers this high would cause economic hardship to Iowa's landowners as well as alter the natural vegetative community. Maintaining a deer population in balance with the wants and needs of the people in the state is a difficult task, but hunting is the only viable management option to achieve this goal.

	The urban deer population within Dubuque:		The urban deer population within Dubuque:
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	In July, 1997 the city's Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission sponsored a forum at which a majority of those in attendance stated their belief the city faced a deer problem. On the advise of the environmental commission, the city council voted to pay the natural resources council up to $2,500 to count the number of deer in the city by helicopter. (1)		In July, 1997 the city's Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission sponsored a forum at which a majority of those in attendance stated their belief the city faced a deer problem. On the advise of the environmental commission, the city council voted to pay the natural resources council up to $2,500 to count the number of deer in the city by helicopter. (1)

	Dubuque's urban bow and arrow deer hunts began in 1997. Despite the first hunt, health officials in 1998 worried that if more was not done soon, the deer population in Dubuque would climb to an unmanageable 200 per square mile within the next decade. Some of the largest concentrations included a herd of about 120 near [[EAGLE POINT PARK]] with nearly sixty spotted around [[WARTBURG THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY]] and the [[DUBUQUE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB]]. Hunters with valid safety cards ~~would have~~ to pass a proficiency test which required hitting a 10-inch target with three of five arrows from twenty yards. Hunters would also have to report when and where they shot a deer. (2)		Dubuque's urban bow and arrow deer hunts began in 1997. Despite the first hunt, health officials in 1998 worried that if more was not done soon, the deer population in Dubuque would climb to an unmanageable 200 per square mile within the next decade. Some of the largest concentrations included a herd of about 120 near [[EAGLE POINT PARK]] with nearly sixty spotted around [[WARTBURG THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY]] and the [[DUBUQUE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB]]. Hunters with valid safety cards had to pass a proficiency test which required hitting a 10-inch target with three of five arrows from twenty yards. Hunters would also have to report when and where they shot a deer. (2)

	Areas designated for hunting in 2010 included [[BUNKER HILL GOLF COURSE]], Eagle Point Park, [[MARSHALL PARK]], [[MEDICAL ASSOCIATES CLINIC PC (THE)]] west campus, [[VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK]], FDR Park, and 23 acres south of the Fremont Avenue bridge.


			Responsibility for the future of deer in Iowa depends upon the cooperation of hunters and landowners, preservation of critical timber habitat, legislative support and continued professional management of the resource. (4) Areas designated for hunting in 2010 included [[BUNKER HILL GOLF COURSE]], Eagle Point Park, [[MARSHALL PARK]], [[MEDICAL ASSOCIATES CLINIC PC (THE)]] west campus, [[VETERANS' MEMORIAL PARK]], FDR Park, and 23 acres south of the Fremont Avenue bridge. (5)

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	Source:		Source:

	1. McDermott, Brad. "Does and Don'ts," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 24, 1997, p. 1. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19970724&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		1. Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Deer Hunting in Iowa, Online: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/Deer-Hunting

			2. McDermott, Brad. "Does and Don'ts," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 24, 1997, p. 1. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19970724&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

			3. Wilkinson, Jennifer. "City Proposes Bow Hunt on Deer Herd," ''Telegraph Herald'', May 9, 1998, p. 1. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19980509&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

			4. Iowa Department of Natural Resources

	2. ~~Wilkinson, Jennifer. "City Proposes Bow Hunt on~~ Deer ~~Herd," ''Telegraph Herald''~~, ~~May 9, 1998, p. 1.~~ Online: https://~~news~~.~~google~~.~~com~~/~~newspapers~~?~~nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19980509&printsec=frontpage&hl~~=en		5. Deer Management Program, Online: https://www.cityofdubuque.org/DocumentCenter/View/41356/Deer-Brochure-2023-2024?bidId=

	[[Category: Animals]]		[[Category: Animals]]