IOWA CITY — Iowa City is turning to bow hunters to help manage the deer population within the city.
The City Council reluctantly approved adding winter bow hunts beginning in 2020 and continuing through 2024. In addition, sharpshooters will be brought in to cull the herd this next winter.
City officials had wanted to stick with managing the deer herd largely with sharpshooters. But the state Natural Resources Commission wanted bow hunting to be part of the plan and wouldn’t approve a plan without it.
The bow hunting will help ensure that the deer population remains at a density of fewer than 10 deer per square mile.