MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine will once again participate in Iowa’s Deer Management Zone Program during the upcoming 2025-2026 urban bow hunting season. Approved by the Muscatine City Council on July 17, this year’s season will run from September 20, 2025, through January 10, 2026.
Muscatine has partnered with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) in the city-wide deer management effort since the 2006-2007 season. Over the past 19 years, hunters have harvested a total of 862 deer within city limits, including 36 during the 2024-2025 season.
Hunting Guidelines
Bow hunting is permitted only on approved private properties of two (2) acres or more within city limits. Parcels may be combined to meet the acreage requirement. All hunters must maintain a 150-foot minimum distance from any occupied structure.
All IDNR rules and regulations for deer hunting in Iowa remain in effect and apply within the City of Muscatine.
Mandatory Informational Meeting
Hunters wishing to participate in this year’s season must attend a required informational meeting at:
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Muscatine Aquatic Center, Weed Park
The meeting will include important updates, including information about limited opportunities for hunting on select public properties.
Required Shooting Qualification
To ensure safety and proficiency, all hunters must pass a qualifying shoot prior to participating in the city hunt. Tests will be held at the lower parking lot of the Weed Park Maintenance Facility, 1211 Weed Park Drive, on the following dates:
- Saturday, August 23 – 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, August 27 – 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, September 3 – 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Licenses and Required Paperwork
All necessary licenses and paperwork must be obtained in person from the Muscatine County Recorder’s Office (8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). This is the only authorized location to obtain proper documentation for deer hunting within city limits.
Deer Harvest Check-In
To support program tracking and compliance, hunters are required to check in all harvested deer at the Muscatine Fire Department, 312 East 5th Street, between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily. Hunters must bring their City-issued hunting license and supporting documentation.
For questions, contact the Fire Department at 563-263-9233.
More Information
For details regarding the 2025-2026 City of Muscatine deer bow hunting season, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 563-263-0241.