Iowa City City Council looks to continue urban bow hunting program

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – People could once again have the chance to bow hunt deer within the city limits of Iowa City.

On Tuesday, the Iowa City City Council approved an urban deer hunting plan for the next five years. The city is also hiring a nonprofit to shoot deer for one year. City leaders said they’ve seen an increase in accidents involving deer. The city said the 27 vehicle accidents caused more than $100,000 in damages.

Most of the hunting is done on private property with restrictions depending on the proximity to trails and buildings. City Manager Geoff Fruin said the city wants to get more people involved in the urban hunt over the next five years.

“Bow hunting is not suitable on every property,” said Fruin. “You have to have certain spaces and separations and stuff like that from sidewalks, trails, and things like that. It’s just finding those properties and pairing them with hunters that want those opportunities.”

The council’s actions still need to be approved by the state’s Natural Resource Commission before it can move forward.

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