An expected 30,000 hunters will be participating in Iowa’s late muzzleloader season which begins Dec. 17. Although hunters may see fewer deer as numbers have declined in eastern and southern Iowa, the season offers some excellent hunting opportunities. 

Last year, 55 percent of the 8,950 deer reported during the late muzzleloader season were does. To avoid over-harvesting deer where they hunt, hunters are encouraged to work with landowners to determine if deer are at desirable levels, and base decisions on how they use the remaining antlerless tags on local herd conditions. 

Success during this season depends on finding where deer are feeding and upon the weather. Look for corn or soybean fields that have been combined but not tilled under. Deer will search for waste grain in these areas. With the warm weather there are still some areas with some green grass, clover or cover crops such as winter wheat or winter rye that also would be very attractive. Cold weather will spur the deer to feed more heavily.