Oskaloosa Urban Deer Management Report

This pair of deer was spotted within the city limits of Oskaloosa.

An Oskaloosa Police Department Press Release

The City of Oskaloosa has concluded the 2018/2019 urban bow deer hunt within city limits. The Oskaloosa Police Department was assisted with the administration of this hunting program by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Preparation for this hunting season began on July 27th, 2018 with the release of an informational news release. This news release outlined the program’s rules/regulations, season dates, and proficiency testing dates. The dates set for the urban hunt were: September 15th, 2018 through January 10th, 2019.

Hunters wishing to participate in this hunting season were required to attend, and pass, a bow-and-arrow proficiency test, administered by the Oskaloosa Police Department. In order to accommodate as many hunters as possible, the Police Department held two different testing dates, both at the After Hours Archery Shop located at 216 North B Street. The first testing date was Thursday, August 16th, 2018 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the second testing date being Saturday, August 18th, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Twelve hunters qualified to participate in the 2018/2019 Oskaloosa Urban Deer Hunt.

This year, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources made 100 antlerless deer tags available to hunters for this program. During the 2018/2019 season, hunters harvested 12 deer. Of those 12 deer taken during this year’s hunting season, 1 was taken in Zone A, 7 were taken in Zone B, 1 was taken in Zone D, and 3 were taken in Zone E.

During the 2018/2019 Urban Deer Hunting season, the Oskaloosa Police Department received no complaints from citizens or hunters regarding this program. Anyone with questions regarding this program is encouraged to contact Community Service Officer Alexander Sirovy of the Oskaloosa Police Department by calling (641) 672-2559 or by email at alex.sirovy@oskaloosaiowa.org .