In October of 2014, the Mason City Parks Board approved hunting in Parkers Woods, MacNider, Murphy, Georgia Hanford Parks as well as Highland Park Golf Course. Rules and an application process were established in 2014 year, the first year of the program.
A new provision of the application process includes obtaining one of the 50 DNR issued antlerless DMZ licenses for use only within the city limits of Mason City. Each hunter must possess a State of Iowa hunting license with habitat fee and have a Mason City DMZ deer license; regular state licenses are not valid with the Mason City DMZ. Proof of passing the proficiency testing requirement along with a copy of your driver’s license will also be required upon submittal of application documents. (Note: All 50 of the antlerless DMZ licenses have sold out at this time.)
Applications may be picked up, and dropped off, at the Police Department, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Application packets may also be downloaded from the Police Department website, found at masoncity.net and then progress to City Departments, then to Police Department. All persons interested are encouraged to review the rules prior to submitting their application to ensure compliance. Application deadline will be November 4th, 2016 at 4:30 pm. There will be a limited number of hunters allowed in each park; selection will be established by lottery drawing.
Bow hunting of deer on any property is allowed in the city limits, with prior approval and application through the Police Department. Applications to hunt on private property must have landowner approval, permission to hunt on city property, other than parks, requires council approval.
