Iowa's Shotgun Deer Season kicks off this weekend - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Iowa's Shotgun Deer Season kicks off this weekend

70,000 hunters will head out Saturday morning for opening day of Iowa's shotgun deer season.

 But, before you head out be aware you could be paying big bucks if you don't play by the rules.

"It gets quite expensive violating deer regulations," says Ed Kocal, Iowa Conservation Officer.  

Just how expensive?

Two hundred for tagging a deer you didn't shoot.

And then tack on a civil penalty fine for the actual deer and that's another $1,500.

"If you follow the rules, you'll have good deer hunting."

Since 2003, Iowa has tried to cut down the deer population through hunting.

This year DNR officers say we are seeing those numbers drop.

So hunters shouldn't be disappointed if there isn't enough game to go around.

"You still should have good success even with fewer deer, we still got adequate numbers of deer, but it's only fair to everyone else if you follow the rules if they are following the rules," says Kocal.

But folks here in the Quad Cities say they don't care about the low numbers, they just want to get out there and hunt.

"It doesn't' matter if I get a buck or doe. I just enjoy getting out and doing," say Cindy Johnson, a Davenport Resident.