In 1985 Tony Knight began selling his revolutionary MK 85 muzzleloader, which was made in Centerville. More reliable and accurate than side-locks, the new firearm let hunters reach out and harvest deer at 125 yards. More modern guns and bullets now nearly match the ballistics of some popular centerfire rifles, and give hunters outstanding hunting opportunities. The combination of improved muzzleloading firearms and the establishing of special seasons has resulted in whole new hunting experience. "I love hunting with my frontloader, because I can enjoy October's warm sun and colorful leaves and then have a completely different experience during the snowy late December season," said Novak.

In 1997 handguns were legalized for deer hunting. "I'm not seeing a real upsurge in people buying handguns for deer hunting, but the new law gives hunters the option to used these specialized firearms," said Schrantz, who manages the Cedar Rapids Fin and Feather Store.

Rick White serves on the pro staff for Hunters Specialties, an Iowa based manufacturer of hunting accessories and calls. He spends much of each fall hunting a variety of game across the United States and Canada. "I think we have the very best deer hunting right here in Iowa, but I'm a little worried about the future.

"The DNR is feeling increasing pressure from farmers, gardeners, and insurance companies to reduce the deer herd. Hunters need to make their voice herd so the DNR can maintain excellent populations of healthy deer," he continued.

White is also worried about another potential political threat: non-resident tags. "Many people would like to increase the number of non-resident tags in an effort to reduce deer numbers and encourage tourism. This happened several years ago in Illinois. It resulted in high-income nonresidents leasing big blocks of land for their exclusive use. Resident hunters who had access to that land for years were excluded. That could happen in Iowa," he cautioned. White thinks that the current level of non-resident tags is just about right.

Biologist Suchy predicts an outstanding season this fall. He will be recommending minor changes in regulations to the IDNR Commission. "Deer numbers appear to be down in parts of northern and central Iowa and we may reduce the number of antlerless tags there. But there are very large concentrations of deer in southwest Iowa, and we're trying to increase the doe kill there. Northeast Iowa and the Loess Hills in the far west look outstanding for hunters," he said. Suchy also believes there will be a few more special hunts this fall in the IDNR's continuing effort to reduce damage in parks and suburbanized areas.

Hunters in western Iowa have a slim possibility of encountering an Iowa novelty: mule deer. They are legal game, but are very scarce. "Once in a while someone reports seeing a deer during the hunting season that runs funny, and it's probably a mulie," said Suchy.

The golden age of Iowa deer hunting will continue this fall. Whether hunting whitetails from an October tree stand, conducting a drive through a woodlot during the shotgun season, or shuffling through winter snow, deer hunters will have a long season to look forward to. They will be able to buy numerous tags use a wide array of firearms and bows to pursue their quarry.

Although tags will be plentiful, Schrantz, Heck, Novak, White, and Suchy offer similar advice to Iowa hunters: Plan ahead. "Last season nearly all tags sold," said White. Some hunters procrastinated and weren't able to buy tags for their favorite season."

The fall deer hunting guidebook will be distributed by the IDNR in August. It lists seasons and tags. Summer is a great time to begin planning fall and winter hunts, and wise hunters buy their tags as soon as they go on sale.