OSKALOOSA – The city of Oskaloosa is preparing for the upcoming Urban Deer Hunting Season.

The season will run from September 20, 2026 through January 10, 2027. During the season, qualified hunters will be permitted to harvest deer using archery equipment at approved locations within Oskaloosa city limits.

Prospective hunters must qualify to participate in the season.

Bowhunter Qualification

All bowhunters must pass an archery proficiency test consisting of five shots from 20 yards. Hunters must place at least four of the five shots within an eight-inch circle to qualify. Each hunter will be allowed two attempts. 

Qualification date: Saturday, August 22, 2026

Time: 3:00-5:00 PM

Location: Gateway Church of the Nazarene (140 Gateway Drive)

Testing will be conducted in the southeastern portion of the parking lot.

Hunters must bring:

• A current form of identification
• A current and valid Iowa hunting license
• The bow and equipment they intend to use

All bowhunters wishing to participate must attend and qualify during the scheduled testing period. Hunters who cannot attend due to the shorter-than-normal notice should contact Sergeant DeKleine (contact info below) as soon as possible to determine whether other arrangements can be made. 

Crossbow Qualifications

Crossbow hunters must contact Sergeant DeKleine (contact info below) to schedule a qualification time and must provide their own crossbow target. Crossbow hunters may also qualify during the August 22 testing session but must bring an appropriate crossbow target.

All participating hunters must comply with the established rules of the Oskaloosa Urban Deer Management Program. The rules are available on the City of Oskaloosa website and will also be provided at the qualification event.  

During the 2025–2026 season, participating hunters harvested 20 deer within the Oskaloosa city limits. The Oskaloosa Police Department encourages qualified community members to consider participating in this year’s program. 

Questions

Questions may be directed to Sergeant DeKleine at (641) 672-2557