Habitats

Wildlife

Recreation

Hunting

Fishing

Migration

Events

Bertrand

Volunteering

Maps

Contact/FAQ

Links

Friends Group

Small Wetlands Program

2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest

Hunting at DeSoto

Hunting opportunities at DeSoto are available on a regulated basis. There are both archery and gun hunts available. Youth and disable hunts for wild turkeys are also available. An archery-only wild turkey hunt is available in the spring.

2008 Hunting Seasons

White-tailed Deer Hunting

Muzzleloader Hunts:

Nebraska residents can apply for the first three hunts through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission office or website. For the January hunt, interested Nebraska hunters can obtain a free access permit from the refuge the Monday after the state rifle season.

Iowa residents can apply by dropping off, or sending in a card (with their name, address, phone number) for each hunt for which they are applying to the DeSoto address listed on the Contact page. A random drawing will be held September 1st. Hunters may apply up until that time. Any unfilled slots will be available after the drawing on a first come basis. For Iowa residents the October, November and January hunts will only require antlerless licenses that are specific for the DeSoto hunts and will not count against the hunters take. The December hunt will require a second season shotgun license and a doe tag if desired. Specific information concerning the licenses will be provided to those drawn.

Hunt Dates:

The first two hunts are October 18 - 19 and November 1 – 2, 2008. 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 third hunt is December 8 - 9, 2008. This hunt is muzzleloader only, two deer allowed (one either sex, one anterless), 135 hunters (100 NE, 35 IA).

The fourth hunt is January 3 - 4, 2008. 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:

DeSoto’s archery season is open October 1 - December 31, each year in designated areas except during the gun hunts in October (see above). Check-in is self-serve at each of the designated parking areas and is required by all hunters. All hunters must obtain a DeSoto Archery Access Permit. Access Permits are FREE and can be obtained at the DeSoto Refuge Visitor Center or at the archery parking lots. Contact the refuge for additional information.

Wild Turkey Hunting

Youth and Disabled Turkey HUNT: April 19th and 20th, 2008

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 14, 2008 to May 18, 2008

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.