Archery Deer season began statewide Thursday, and despite the wet weather, plenty of bow hunters have already made their way to their stands for the start of the season. State Conservation Officer John Mertz tells KNIA/KRLS News that the number one reminder for bow hunters is to have a good harness and always use it to prevent falling out of a tree stand.

Hunters also need to make sure to get permission from landowners before hunting on or setting up a tree stand on a property. Mertz adds that hunters must report all deer taken by midnight the day after the deer is recovered by visiting a license vendor, calling the Iowa DNR at 1-800-771-4692, or register on www.iowadnr.gov.

Archery deer season runs through December 4th and then re-opens from December 21st to January 10th, following the shotgun season.