How Old’s Your Deer? The Iowa DNR Wants to Know

According to a press release from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, beginning this year, Iowa deer hunters who harvest a buck will have an additional piece of information to report as part of the harvest reporting requirement, the length of the main antler beam. Specifically, if the main beam length is below or above 14 inches, not the exact length.

But Why? What’s significant about 14 inches as related to main antler beams?

“We (Iowa Department of Natural Resources) partnered with Iowa State University on a study that recorded age and antler measurements of over 1,000 Iowa bucks. For roughly 95 percent of the deer measured, deer with antler beams less than 14 inches were one-and-a-half-year’s old or younger, and deer antler beams 14 inches and over were two-and-a-half-year’s old or older.”

-Jace Elliott, state deer biologist with the Iowa DNR

The information from local hunters will provide age structure to the DNR’s population models and produce a better overall picture of Iowa’s deer herd.

“This is similar to reporting spur length on the turkey harvest reporting. It’s a little more information on our deer herd that we haven’t collected in the past. The data is not intended to be used for additional regulations, like antler point restrictions.”

-Jace Elliott, state deer biologist with the Iowa DNR

Hunters will notice the back of the deer tag has been redesigned to include a seven-inch ruler to help measure the main beams. This new tag will be showing up in the fall as license sales agents deplete their previous supplies. Hunting seasons are as follows for 2023.

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When reporting your deer harvest this year follow these steps. First, gather the information you will need to report. Have a pen and paper available. Paper is not necessary if the hunter records the confirmation number directly on the Harvest Report Tag.

The 9-digit harvest registration number that is printed on the tag that has been attached to the deer. This number appears under the heading "Step 2:" on the Harvest Report Tag. Each tag has a unique harvest registration number.

For Deer:

• Determine the sex of the deer. (i.e. Doe, Button buck, Antlered buck, or Shed-antler buck). A buck with non-forked antlers (i.e., "spike" buck) is considered an antlerless deer. and now, the Main Beam Antler Length.
• The Iowa county where the deer was harvested.

What are the proper steps after an animal harvest?

Always remember to attach the bottom Transportation Tag before transporting your animal, and the top Harvest Report Tag only after reporting your animal. The Transportation Tag must be attached to the deer (or turkey) within 15 minutes of harvest or before it is moved, whichever occurs first. Always notch the month & day of the harvest on your Transportation Tag. Transportation Tags must be attached to antlers if it is an antlered deer, otherwise attach to the deer or turkey leg. Press halves of the tag together to bond. Hunter's name, registration number and date of harvest must be readable.

Report harvest by midnight of the day after tagging a deer or turkey, before taking it to a locker or taxidermist, before processing it for consumption or before transporting out of state, whichever comes first. Tag and the Harvest Report Tag must be attached to the animal until it is processed for consumption. Deer can also be donated to the HUSH program to help feed the needy at soup kitchens and food pantries.

In addition, you can now report your Harvest by a simple text. Text your Registration Number to 1-800-771-4692 and follow the prompts. There is also an online reporting system available here.

Where will you be hunting this year? Check out some local options...