The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now taking applications for a program that teaches the skills needed to hunt, butcher and cook wild deer for those with little to no deer hunting experience. The Field to Fork program will be offered in Ames and Waterloo. Sessions include skills building at an indoor archery range, classroom instruction and a workshop weekend to instruct on becoming efficient archery hunters. “For those interested in sourcing their own protein or red meat, this program provides the opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge it takes to do it yourself,” says Jamie Cook, program coordinator with the DNR. Attendance is limited to 10 at each location and participants must be 21 or older and have either never hunted deer or have little deer hunting experience. A link to the application forms can be found below. A kick-off event is planned for June 25, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Ames Isaak Walton League. Instruction will take place from July through September. Cost to attend is $238.50, which covers the instruction, the workshop weekend, workbooks, licenses, tags, equipment and supplies. Payment is not due until the applicants have been accepted. COVID-19 safety measures will be implemented.
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Link to apply for program: https://forms.gle/Z2Wy95fL3QZBcrsi6
