For the fifth consecutive year, the city of Oskaloosa, Iowa is preparing for the upcoming 2014/2015 Urban Deer Hunting season, to be held within the Oskaloosa city limits.
The 2014/2015 hunting season will run from Sept.13, 2014, through Jan. 10, 2015.
During this season, qualified hunters will be allowed to harvest deer within the city limits using bows and arrows.
Bowhunters interested in participating in this hunting season are required to pass an archery proficiency test, consisting of 5 shots, made from 20 yards. Hunters must score at least 80 perecent accuracy, within an 8-inch circle target, to qualify for this hunt. Hunters are allowed two attempts to pass this test.
Two testing dates have been set for this upcoming season.
This testing will be held at "After Hours Archery" located at 216 N. B St. The dates and times for this testing are: Thursday, Aug. 28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 30, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Any hunter interested in participating in this hunting season must attend, and pass, one of these proficiency tests. Hunters need to bring a current form of identification and their current/valid Iowa Hunting License with them to this testing.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has allotted up to 200 licenses to be used during the 2014/2015 city season.
Anyone with questions regarding this program is encouraged to contact Lt. Russ Van Renterghem, of the Oskaloosa Police Department at (641) 673-3201 ext. 5916 or by email at: russ.vanrenterghem@oskaloosaiowa.org.
Oskaloosa Urban Deer Management Program Rules
The purpose of the Oskaloosa Urban Deer Management Program is to safely reduce the deer population within Oskaloosa.
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.
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 percent within an eight-inch circle.
Tests must be administered by a member of the Oskaloosa Police Department.
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 Ave. E. in Oskaloosa. Hunters must be 18 years of age or older.
Hunters must comply with the city of Oskaloosa Hunting ordinance as well as Department of Natural Resources rules and regulations for the State of Iowa. Oskaloosa permits are only good within the city limits of Oskaloosa.
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.
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.
Safety is our foremost concern. Hunters must insure that all shots are made carefully and safely.
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.
