City of Cedar Rapids

The Cedar Rapids 2023-2024 Urban Deer Hunt was held from September 16, 2023 through January 10, 2024 as authorized by Resolution No. 0762-09-07. 

Hunting permits are required and will be issued after successful completion of the following:

• Attend a (one-time only) Iowa Bow Hunter's Safety Course.  For more information about the course and available dates, contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
• Bowhunter's safety from another state will be accepted.
• Complete an Urban Deer Management 2023-2024 Application.
• Complete an annual proficiency certification test at Palo Outdoors/Lewis Access Outfitters, 1204 1st Street, Palo. 
• Palo Outdoors/Lewis Access Outfitters will begin allowing proficiency testing starting Monday, July 17, 2023.
• Attend the Urban Deer Hunt Rules and Regulations Class (required of all hunters each season):

                          Hunters must attend one of the Rules and Regulations classes – no exceptions.
                          Orientation sessions are scheduled for 90 minutes and are scheduled as follows:

                          Sunday, August 27, 2023  - 11:00 AM at Palo Outdoors/Lewis Access Outfitters
                          Monday, September, 2023 – 6:00 PM at Palo Outdoors/Lewis Access Outfitters

For an Urban Bow Hunt permit to be issued at one of the Rules and Regulations sessions, you need to bring the following (no exceptions will be made): 

• A state issued photo ID/Driver’s License.
• A current Iowa hunting license.
• Paid Habitat Fee (unless exempt).
• Bow Hunters Safety card or certificate if new to the City of Cedar Rapids urban deer hunt.
• Bow Hunters Safety will be accepted from another state.
• A completed successful archery proficiency test.
• A completed and signed Urban Bow Hunt Application.

Absence of any of the above will result in no permit being issued.  If a permit is not issued due to the absence of documentation the hunter must return to another orientation or make alternative arrangements with a hunt official.  

The following are items that are required by the bow hunter to participate in the deer hunt; however these items do not need to be completed to receive a Cedar Rapids Urban Deer Management Permit: 

• Deer tag(s) for the City of Cedar Rapids Urban Bow Hunt.
• An area or multiple areas to bow hunt inside the corporate city limits of Cedar Rapids.
• A completed land owner’s permission form.  One form is required for each address that the bow hunter hunts.

Please note that City-owned property is currently NOT available for hunting.

Deer Hunt Zones:  City of Cedar Rapids Deer Hunt Zones Map  

Rules and Regulations: Urban Deer Management Program Rules and Regulations  

Landowner Authorization: A Land Owner's Permission form from at least one landowner must be in the possession of the hunter and available for inspection by any DNR officer, law enforcement officer, or City of Cedar Rapids Hunt Administrator at all times that the hunter is involved in hunting activity within the City limits.  

Landowner Looking for Hunters to Harvest Deer? City of Cedar Rapids land owners that are looking for hunters to harvest deer off of their property should contact the Urban Deer Hunt Program Manager.  Please include your name, address and telephone number.  
Email: Landowner Deer Harvest Request 

Contact Information
Battalion Chief Jason Andrews
Urban Deer Hunt Program Manager
Cedar Rapids Fire Department
713 1st Avenue SE
Cedar Rapids, IA  52401
Phone: 319-286-5617
Email: Urban Deer Hunt