The potential for an archery hunt of deer in Fort Dodge next year will come before the City Council again tonight.

The council will meet at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 819 First Ave S.

During the meeting, the council will consider the second reading of an ordinance establishing a controlled urban hunt for deer.

The council approved the first reading of the ordinance on a 6-1 vote during its July 25 meeting. It must be approved three times to go into effect.

Passing that ordinance is just the first step toward having the hunt. If the ordinance receives final approval, the hunt must then be approved by the Iowa Natural Resources Commission, a panel that gives the Department of Natural Resources guidance on outdoor matters. After that panel grants its approval, the Department of Natural Resources and the Police Department will put in place the rules for the hunt.

The hunt would begin Sept. 16, 2023, and end Jan. 7, 2024.

Hunting would be limited to about 3,200 acres on the northern, eastern and western edges of the city.

The hunt would be with bow and arrows only. No guns could be used.

Complaints about deer eating gardens or nearly causing crashes in the streets have been presented to the council off and on for years.