Keokuk, IA – More than 40 people qualified to take part in Keokuk's new urban deer hunting season.
Police Chief Tom Crew says about a dozen deer have been harvested to this point.
The idea behind the season is to reduce the number of deer within city limits.
Some issues have surfaced, though, several weeks into the season.
The program's rules state that a hunter must be at least 18-years old to participate, but the city allowed some younger hunters to take the proficiency test.
There are also questions about how close hunters can be to building or property lines, what is considered an elevated position for shooting, and whether crossbows can be used.
Crew says the city should stick with the rules that were approved by the Keokuk City Council.
He says that starts with enforcing the requirement that hunters be at least 18 years old.
"Just because an individual passes a hunter safety course does not necessarily make them a good hunter," says Crew.
Alderman Mike Moore says the city could face a lawsuit if it prevents younger hunters from participating.
He has been serving as coordinator for the city's program.
Moore hopes to have an Iowa Department of Natural Resources representative at the next city council workshop to address the concerns.