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Hunting at DeSoto

Hunting opportunities at DeSoto are available on a regulated basis. Deer and wild turkey hunts are available and are listed below.

Click on this link for info regarding "Public Hunting Opportunities for DeSoto NWR and Boyer Chute NWR"

2009 Hunting Seasons

White-tailed Deer Hunting

Muzzleloader Hunts: Deer hunting has been increased to reduce the expanding deer herd. All muzzleloading hunts are antlerless only with the exception of the December DeSoto season.

Nebraska residents Nebraska residents can apply for the October and December hunts through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission office or website. Permits for the DeSoto January hunt are available at DeSoto Refuge on the first

Iowa residents can apply for any of the DeSoto firearms seasons by sending or dropping off a card with their name, address, and phone number to DeSoto Refuge at the address listed on the front of this brochure by September 1st. After this date all available refuge access permits will be available on a first come basis. Iowa resident licenses are not valid at Boyer Chute.
After the drawing, successful Iowa hunters can purchase a special antlerless license from a local license vendor for the October and January hunts. The December hunt will require a Shotgun (Second Season) license.

Muzzleloader Deer Hunt Dates:

The first hunt is October 17 - 18, 2009 . Two hundred hunters (140 NE, 60 IA) will be allowed to hunt the entire refuge and be allowed to take two antlerless deer. Muzzleloaders only will be used.

The second hunt is December 19 - 20, 2009. This hunt is muzzleloader only, two deer allowed (one either sex, one anterless), 135 hunters (100 NE, 35 IA).

The third hunt is January 2 - 3, 2010. This hunt will also take place on the entire refuge with 200 hunters (150 NE, 50 IA) allowed to take two anterless deer using muzzleloader only.

Archery Deer Hunting:

Archery deer hunting is open October 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009 on DeSoto Refuge each year in designated areas except during the October firearms hunt. Hunters must obtain a free Refuge Access Permit at the DeSoto Visitor Center or at any hunter parking area during the hunting season. Check-in is self-serve at each of the designated parking areas and is required by all hunters. Contact the refuge for additional information.

Wild Turkey Hunting

Youth and Disabled: Turkey HUNT

DeSoto Refuge offers a wild turkey hunt for youth and mobility-impaired hunters each spring. Interested youth hunters may apply for the hunt by sending in a 4x6 card, or larger, with their name address and telephone number. Applications should be sent to DeSoto Refuge, 1434 316th Lane, Missouri Valley, IA 51555. Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult. A random drawing for these limited slots will take place on March 1st. All interested mobility impaired hunters should call the refuge by March 1st to get information. All hunters must be licensed and abide by all applicable regulations from their state.

Public Archery Turkey Hunt Season will run from April 13, 2009 to May 17, 2009

An archery only season for turkeys is held each spring. A refuge Turkey Hunting Access permit is required and can be obtained free of charge at the DeSoto Visitor Center, which is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. The permit includes a map showing the areas that archers can hunt. All hunters must be properly licensed, follow all applicable state and federal regulations and carry the refuge permit while hunting.

Contact Mindy Sheets at (712) 642-5405 for details on these hunts.