The total includes 28 does and three bucks.

Police Capt. Steve Hanson said those figures are still considered preliminary and unofficial because they have to be checked with data from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. But he said they give a good picture of the results of the hunting season.

The urban deer hunt began Sept. 21, 2024, and ended Jan. 10, 2025.

It was the second hunt held in the city. The first was held in late 2023 and early 2024.

The City Council authorized the hunts in response to years of complaints about deer nearly causing crashes on streets and gobbling up gardens. It was a controversial decision however, that led to critics and supporters packing the council meeting room repeatedly until the elected officials granted final approval to the hunt.

During the most recent urban deer season, some hunters were able to take bucks as well as does. Hanson said any hunter who got three does in the first season earned the right to get a hunting permit called an any sex tag that authorized them to get a buck.

“You earn it the year before and use it the following year,” he said.

The number of deer harvested during the most recent hunt was down from the prior season’s total. During the first season, 43 deer, all does, were bagged.

Hanson said he will recommend that the city have another hunting season late this year and early next year.

Hunting is only allowed on private property which meets certain criteria and where the property owner has granted permission. A hunting area must measure at least 200-by-200 yards and not have any buildings on or near it. The land that meets that criteria is on the northern, eastern and western edges of the city.

To participate, hunters must pass the International Bow Hunter Safety Education Course, pass an annual archery proficiency test and attend a mandatory safety meeting.