Hunters have bagged 24 deer in the first month of a new urban bow hunting season underway within certain areas of Fort Dodge.

This hunt, the first one to be held in the city, will continue until Jan. 10.

“Everything has gone pretty smooth so far,” said Police Capt. Steve Hanson, who is overseeing the hunt.

He said that as of midday Wednesday 24 deer — all does — had been harvested.

He said 18 hunters qualified to participate in the hunt. To qualify, they had to file an application with the city, complete a bow hunter safety education class, pass an archery proficiency test and attend a mandatory meeting in August.

The hunt is taking place on private property, mostly on the edges of the city. Owners of the land must give permission for hunting on their property. A property must measure at least 200-by-200 yards to be used for hunting.

Hanson said no public complaints have been received about the hunt.

The City Council approved the hunt in August 2022 in response to complaints over the years about deer gobbling up gardens and running into streets, nearly causing crashes.

There was public opposition to the hunt, and final approval of it came on a 4-3 council vote. Councilmembers Kim Alstott, Dave Flattery, Quennel McCaleb and Cameron Nelson voted yes. Councilmembers Neven Conrad, Terry Moehnke and Lydia Schuur voted no.

When the ordinance establishing the hunt first came before the council on July 25, 2022, it was approved on a 6-1 vote. The second reading was approved on a 5-2 vote. Having an ordinance pass with a declining council majority on each of three required votes is rare.

The Iowa Natural Resources Commission approved the hunt on June 8, 2023.