Tomorrow (Saturday) marks the opening day of Iowa’s 2022 archery deer season, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging hunters to take extra precautions to ensure a safe hunt. Staff recommends Iowans follow the ABCs of tree stand safety: always remove and inspect your equipment; buckle on your full-body harness; and connect to the tree before your feet leave the ground. DNR Hunter Education Administrator Jamie Cook says, “Hunters should take tree stand safety seriously every time you hunt from, hang, or move a tree stand. By performing these three simple steps and properly using a haul line, tree stand users can virtually eliminate their risk of falling to the ground as the majority of falls occur outside the stand.” Hunters should keep their mobile phones on their person in an easily accessible spot to call for help if an injury does occur. The early archery deer season runs through Dec. 2 with the late season between Dec. 19 and Jan. 10. Muzzleloader season opens Oct. 15, and the first shotgun season begins Dec. 3. For more information, visit www.iowadnr.gov/hunting.
