The second of two shotgun deer hunting seasons begins Saturday and continues through December 17th.

According to the Iowa DNR, the 2017 Iowa deer harvest is running 4.5 percent ahead of the 2016 totals. So far this fall, 55,793 deer have been reported, compared to 53,191 for the same period last year.

Hunters are reminded to use safe practices and to discuss plans so each member of the hunting group knows where the others will be at all times during the hunt. They must also wear one of the following articles of external visible solid blaze orange clothing when hunting deer with a firearm: vest, jacket, coat, sweatshirt, sweater, shirt or coveralls. Additionally, they are reminded to treat every gun as if it is loaded, be sure of the target and what’s behind it, and to touch base with landowners before the season opens to make sure permission is granted to hunt at a location.

The Iowa DNR says the harvest is not complete until the deer is registered; either online, over the phone or at a licensed vendor.