MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine will again participate in Iowa’s Deer Management Zone Program during the 2026-2027 urban bow hunting season. Approved by the Muscatine City Council on July 21, this year’s season will run from September 19, 2026, through January 10, 2027.
Muscatine has partnered with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) in the citywide deer management effort since the 2006-2007 season. Over the past 20 years, hunters have harvested a total of 901 deer within city limits, including 39 during the 2025-2026 season.
Hunting guidelines
Bow hunting is permitted only on approved private properties of two (2) acres or more within city limits. Contiguous 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 apply within the City of Muscatine.
Mandatory informational meeting
Hunters wishing to participate must attend an informational meeting:
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
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 22 – 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, August 26 – 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 29 – 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Licenses and required paperwork
All necessary licenses and documentation 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 paperwork for deer hunting within city limits.
Deer harvest check-in
Hunters must 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.
This content is sourced from
City of Muscatine
. It reflects the author's views and has not been edited by our newsroom. It may have been generated using AI assistance.
