HUNTING RULES CITY OF OSKALOOSA URBAN DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

This deer is seen passing by housing on the southern part of Oskaloosa. (file photo)

The purpose of this program is to SAFELY reduce the deer population within Oskaloosa.

1. Each hunter must possess a State of Iowa hunting license and a City of Oskaloosa Deer Hunting Permit. In order for the permit to be issued, the hunter must agree to abide by the following rules and regulations. Non-compliance with these rules is a violation of Oskaloosa City Code.

2. Hunters must pass an authorized archery proficiency test each year with the weapon they will use to hunt with in Oskaloosa. The tests will not allow for any warm up shots and will only allow for a maximum of two (2) attempts each year to successfully complete the test. The test will consist of 5 total shots at 20 yards. The hunter must score at least an 80% within an eight inch (8”) circle.

3. Tests must be administered by a member of the Oskaloosa Police Department.

4. After completion of the proficiency test and safety course, hunters must obtain a special use permit from the Oskaloosa Police Chief or designee’s office located at 214 High Avenue East in Oskaloosa. Hunters must be 18 years of age or older.

5. Hunters must comply with the City of Oskaloosa Hunting ordinance as well as Department of Natural Resources (DNR) rules and regulations for the State of Iowa. Oskaloosa permits are only good within the city limits of Oskaloosa.

6. Hunters must obtain a DNR Oskaloosa Deer Tag from the Mahaska County Recorder’s Office. Those tags are only valid within the city limits of Oskaloosa.

7. Hunters on private property must abide by the rules of the property owner. In addition to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Rules and rules of the City of Oskaloosa.

8. Safety is our foremost concern. Hunters must insure that all shots are made carefully and safely.

9. All shots must be made from an elevated position toward a deer that is not more than 25 yards from the hunter’s

location. Shots must be oriented away from maintained roads, trails and structures.

10. Only portable stands may be used on city property and property not owned by the hunter unless permission is granted by the owner. Ground blinds are not allowed except for those with disabilities. Tree stands can be erected no sooner than one (1) week prior to local season and removed no longer than one (1) week after on city owned property. No “screw in” foot holds on city property/trees. All city owned property is considered closed to hunting unless a notice is published via the local media indicating otherwise.

11. The hunter agrees to maintain a minimum distance of 150 feet from any property line or occupied buildings unless permission is granted from property owner(s), 150 feet from any property owned by the Oskaloosa School District, 85 feet from any unoccupied buildings and 85 feet from any street or trail.

12. No baiting, driving, or stalking of deer is allowed.

13. Field dressing inside the city limits is not allowed (unless on owned property or with permission of the property owner).

14. Hunters must cover harvested deer or have them enclosed so they are not visible when transporting.

15. All deer taken shall be processed for meat or the meat given to charity.

16. Hunters must remove themselves immediately from any harassment situation and contact the Oskaloosa Police Department at 672-2557.

17. Any violation may result in the revocation of the permit or criminal charges, as appropriate.

18. Hunters must report harvest within 12 hours to the Oskaloosa Fire Department. Harvested deer must be physically taken to the Fire Department to be reported. Data is important to the overall success of this hunt. All deer harvested in the city must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources through their harvest reporting system.