Beginning in October, archery deer hunting returns to Iowa. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering advice for a productive and safe season.

Hunters are encouraged to find areas with acorn crops, especially those within the white oak family. As harvest gets underway, hunters can expect more daytime deer activity near timber stands and wooded edges. With breeding season approaching in late October and November, rutting buck activity will occur at all times of day.

Safety is a priority every hunting season, with hunters asked to practice the ABC’s of tree stand safety. This includes always removing and inspecting your equipment, buckling on your full body harness, and connecting to the tree before your feet leave the ground.

The Iowa DNR would also like to remind hunters that they are required to report any harvest by midnight on the day after the deer is tagged. Successful hunters have the option to report the harvest by texting the registration number to 1-800-771-4692 and follow the prompts, through the Go Outdoors Iowa app, online at www.iowadnr.gov, by phone at the number listed on the tag, or through a license vendor during their regular business hours.