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April 8, 2024Des Moines, Iowa |  By: Jeremy Werner

Iowa DNR conducting annual nighttime spring spotlight surveys

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DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is in action, conducting their annual nighttime spring spotlight surveys statewide to gather crucial data on Iowa's deer and furbearer populations.

Starting late last month and continuing throughout this month, teams traverse county routes, beginning an hour post-sunset.

Ideal survey conditions include low wind, high humidity, and temperatures above freezing. These routes cover diverse habitats, from river bottoms to prairies, woodlots, and pastures.

Teams drive designated 25-mile routes at speeds below 25 mph, using spotlights to record deer and furbearer sightings along with habitat types.

The survey's scope includes elusive species like badgers and otters, providing invaluable insights into population trends. The survey helps guide management decisions and understanding local and statewide population dynamics.

Originally focused on raccoons in the late 1970s, it has since expanded to encompass various furbearers and deer.