The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ state deer biologist, Jace Elliott, said hunters harvested just under 102,000 deer across all seasons this year, a total similar to last year’s harvest.
Elliott said harvest numbers varied significantly by region. The Cedar Valley in east-central and northeast Iowa showed increased harvest rates, reflecting growing deer populations in those areas. In contrast, much of the rest of the state — including central, southern and western Iowa — fell below the five-year average and is experiencing population declines.
He said disease is likely the biggest factor affecting deer numbers. Epizootic hemorrhagic disease outbreaks reported in 2023 and 2024 played a significant role in declining populations in several areas of the state.
