Tips for Party Hunting Iowa’s Gun Seasons

Tips for Party Hunting Iowa’s Gun Seasons

By Aaron McKinney

The Buzz, of Iowa’s gun hunting season is something else. It’s that time of year when hunters gear up, eager to finally get their hands on their shotguns, muzzleloaders and rifles. It’s more than just a hunt; it’s a tradition. A chance to hang out with close friends and family, sharing stories and creating new memories. Whether you’re in it for the meat or pursuing that trophy buck, it’s about filling those tags and enjoying every moment. The anticipation, the camaraderie, and the connection to nature make it a special time for everyone involved.

When it comes to Iowa’s gun seasons, everyone has an opinion on a couple of hot-topics: party hunting and driving deer. Some are all-supportive of one or both of these, and you will be certain to find a large portion of the population against driving, or party hunting. With that said, party hunting has been re- defined under some legislation, but is still legal (as is driving). So, we’re going to explore some tips to mmake the most out of your gun season.

Know The Rules and Regulations
Regulations have changed for both residents and non-residents. Make sure you’re up to date with the current laws to avoid any issues. You can pick up a physical copy from most sporting goods stores, OR you can download a copy of the current rules and regulations from the DNR. Read the first text pages, as they will highlight the changes. Additionally, make sure you and everyone in your party has licenses and tags.

When it comes to pursuing wounded deer, make sure you know your rules and regulations around this too. For instance, if you are tracking a deer you wounded, you may cross property lines as a “right to retrieve” your property. However, it isn’t lawful to carry your firearm across property lines to pursue wounded game. You are not required to notify the landowner, but it’s courteous and respectful to try and call or knock on the doors of the landowner. It will also give them a heads-up in case they find your deer later.

Safety First
Hunt with groups you trust for safety. Some groups are hard to join due to safety concerns. You’re essentially trusting everyone around you to make sound choices, to have strict gun-safety etiquette, and to make safe choices. I know several guys that no longer party hunt because one person with poor safety joined the group. I’ve also heard people drop out of a group after slugs getting too close for comfort. Many have quit party hunting once rifles were integrated into Iowa’s deer seasons.

One tip you can do to help keep everyone safe is to go over the plan, so everyone knows where everyone will be walking or posted. You should all know where everyone will be, and where you cannot shoot. Clear communication of the plan is essential. When integrating new members into the group, have them sit with someone experienced to ensure they understand the safety protocols. On a different note, Iowa’s weather can be unpredictable, ranging from mild to extreme conditions.

Several years ago, the windchill took the temperatures below zero. Snow or rain isn’t uncommon either, and during one particular year in 2007, there was a sever ice storm taking down trees power lines, and making roads impassable for most of the state. You need to be prepared for about any kind of weather.
Dressing appropriately is key for a comfortable hunt. You can over-heat by dressing too warm, or on the other hand, hypothermic conditions are possible.

What NOT To Do
While the gun seasons come and go quickly, the pressure is on to fill your tag. It’s essential to adhere to ethical practices to be a safe and respectable hunter. Don’t be “one of those guys” and avoid these 10 things:

1. Don’t be always be the sitter/poster. Let’s face it, the posters usually have the best chances at deer. Take your turn and walk the drives. There is nothing more frustrating than the guy that is physically capable, but refuses to walk.

2. Don’t be the group of guys chasing deer down and shooting out of the back of trucks. It’s a good way to draw unwanted attention from other hunters and Mr. Green-Jeans.

3. Don’t shoot over roads. This one is illegal and for a good reason as you could possibly injure someone on the road. Always ensure there are no people or vehicles in the line of fire before taking a shot.

4. Avoid over-the-hill shots. You’ve learned this in hunter’s education. You don’t know what is beyond the hill, and your slugs, sabots, and bullets will fall. Wait for a back-stop before unloading your gun.

5. Don’t shoot to turn deer. Attempting to shoot a deer to turn it towards a specific direction is both unethical and often unsuccessful. Plus, you’re sending a bullet into the air, possibly without thought as to the back-stop.

6. Avoid the “Get one in them” mentality. Don’t shoot at a deer unless you’re confident in your ability to make a clean kill. A wounded deer can suffer needlessly, and things can and do go wrong even when we are confident in the shot. Don’t plan on tracking a deer through miles and miles of brush.

7. Respect property lines. Always obtain permission before hunting on private land, especially when the land changes hands. Trespassing is illegal, but you also don’t want to become that guy (or gal) who becomes a known trespasser.

8. Stay in position. If you’re a poster, remain in the agreed upon spot and don’t move.

9. Know your limits. Hunt within your abilities and avoid taking risky shots. This will save you a lot of tracking and will help with clean and ethical kills.

10. Know the “unwritten” rules specific to your party. Everyone likes to fill their tags, BUT for residents, is it ok for you to party hunt with your buddy’s tag? Some will for sure not care, while others want to fill their own. Make sure this is discussed prior to the hunt, not when you’re trying to tag a buck.

By following these guidelines, you can contribute to a safe and enjoyable hunting experience for yourself and others. Remember, ethical hunting is about respecting the animals, the land, and your fellow hunters.