DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering a six-month workshop to teach skills needed to hunt, field dress and cook white-tailed deer to individuals who have little to no archery hunting experience.
This workshop consists of summer long archery practices, fall workshops and hunting opportunities throughout Iowa’s archery season. All sessions are led by instructors that possess the experience to teach skills necessary to become efficient archers and bowhunters.
“For those interested in the challenge of bow hunting as a means of sourcing their own meat, this program provides the opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge it takes to do it all yourself,” said Jamie Cook, Hunter Education coordinator with the Iowa DNR.
Participants will spend the summer becoming proficient archers with compound bows provided by Iowa Hunter Education Instructor Association. As summer progresses, participants learn basic strategies for hunting deer, such as proper equipment, where to hunt, safe shooting practices, and tree stand placement. During the fall, the course focuses on how to field dress, clean and cook deer taught by professional butchers and local chefs.
The course will be hosted in Ames, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Iowa City, and is geared for participants age 21 and older. Applications will be accepted until June 1, 2026. The course cost is $200. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
For more information and to begin the application process go to 2026 Field to Fork Application at https://forms.gle/4jojeNQ4GifQoK2H7
The program is provided through a partnership with the Iowa Hunter Ed Instructor Association, several local County Conservation Boards, various vendors, and the Iowa DNR. It is part of a national effort to recruit, retain and reactivate hunters due to the overall decline in hunting and outdoor recreation.