For the 2025-2026 season the Bettendorf Urban Deer Hunt has transitioned to a online application and submission process. Please utilize the online Bettendorf Urban Deer Hunting Application. After you complete the application process and your application is approved you will be emailed a letter permitting you to take the proficiency test at R&R Sports.
The Bettendorf Police Department currently has a lengthy wait list for hunting spots available on public property. Preference for public land is given to those that have hunted those public areas the prior year and were successful in harvesting deer. Applications will only be processed if you have an assignment for public land or are hunting on private property.
All locations that are part of the urban deer hunt are evaluated annually for suitability. New hunting locations must be approved for use before any hunter applications will be processed for the new location. If a private property owner wishes to have a piece of land evaluated for future use they must contact Captain Andrew Champion directly.
Regulations for Bow Deer Hunting Within the City of Bettendorf
- Each urban deer hunter must complete the online application process available at www.bettendorf.org.
- All hunters, hunting on private property not owned by that hunter and/or property owned by the City of Bettendorf must obtain a ‘Landowners Permission to Hunt’ form from the Bettendorf Police Department. The form can then be submitted to the Bettendorf Police Department via the online application process.
- Private Property Permission Form
- The Bettendorf Police Department will then issue a ‘Permission to Hunt Urban Deer’ form to take to R&R Sports where a proficiency exam will be performed. R&R Sports will submit verification to the police department that proficiency exam was passed. A completion certificate will be sent to you so you can purchase additional licenses throughout the hunting season.
- Deer tags/licenses will then be sold by B & B Shooting Supplies or R&R Sports to hunters. Please note that B&B no longer has an archery range and all proficiency exams will be completed at R&R Sports. B&B will continue to sell licenses.
- Each urban deer hunter must provide current contact information during the online application process.
- Neighboring property owners will be notified by the Police department that deer hunting will be taking place in their area.
- If objection to hunting is received by an adjacent property owner, the Chief of Police or his designee will review the request to hunt.
- Certain hunting areas may have a time restriction of when hunting is allowed.
- All hunting areas will have a sign posted, provided by the Police department, that bow deer hunting is in progress.
- All deer must be checked via the electronic check in process by 9:30 p.m. the day of harvest. If the hunter has technical problems online the hunter must email Captain Andrew Champion via email at: [email protected]. Deer will NO longer be checked in at the Bettendorf Fire Station.
- No obvious remains of harvested deer shall remain at site of hunt.
- If deer is shot with arrow and flees into residential or commercial area you must email Captain Andrew Champion immediately at [email protected]
- When tracking a shot deer in darkness, hunter must use a flashlight.
- When tracking a shot deer, hunter must wear a reflective vest.
- If deer is located after tracking, and deer has fallen on a residential or commercial property, an attempt to notify the property owner, prior to removal, must be made. If unsuccessful, a door hanger must be placed on door with hunter’s information.
Deer Hunter Notification Letter
September 1, 2025
Bettendorf/Riverdale Deer Hunters:
This letter is an update on the 2025/2026 Deer Management Zone Hunt within the city limits of Bettendorf. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has made available 125 antlerless deer licenses for archery only, from September 20th, 2025 through January 10th, 2026, for the Cities of Bettendorf and Riverdale. Antlerless deer licenses may only be purchased at B & B Shooting Supplies located at 2152 State Street in Bettendorf or R & R Sports located at 3250 Fields Drive in Bettendorf. You must be issued a 2025-2026 Bettendorf Urban Deer Hunting Permission Form and have your Proficiency Test Certificate to purchase these licenses.
All deer must be checked via the electronic check in process by 9:30 p.m. the day of harvest. The link to this form is listed on the Bow Deer Hunting webpage. If the hunter has technical problems with online check in the hunter must email Captain Andrew Champion via email at: [email protected] with the requested information. Deer will NO longer be checked in at the Bettendorf Fire Station.
All city regulations must be followed to hunt within the city limits of Bettendorf and Riverdale. A copy of those regulations can be obtained on the Bettendorf Police Department webpage.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is also recommending an ‘Either Sex Incentive License’ for the 2025/2026 hunting season. If you decide to take the $20 incentive from the City of Bettendorf, you will not be eligible for the any sex tag incentive for the 2026/2027 season.
The City of Bettendorf appreciates your assistance in helping thin the deer herd population within our city. The increasing deer population is a problem that cannot be solved without your effort and support.