Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) — The first shotgun deer season officially opens this weekend across Iowa,
Iowa DNR Conservation Officer Joe Yarkosky says that while the statewide five-year average has seen a slight decline, the outlook for Northwest Iowa remains fairly consistent.

With temperatures expected to drop significantly this weekend, Yarkosky advises hunters to prepare for the cold, but never at the expense of safety. He reminds everyone that visibility is just as important as warmth.

If you are successful in the field, there are strict timelines you must follow. Yarkosky explains the procedure for tagging and the requirement to report your harvest by midnight the following day.

First shotgun season runs from December 6th through the 10th.