Can I Have My Own Pet Deer in Iowa?

Where I grew up in Northeastern Pennsylvania, it wasn't uncommon to see a few deer roaming around in your backyard.

I remember seeing little families of deer walking all across the wooded community I grew up in.

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They were so cute that the younger me always dreamed of bringing home my own little Bambi to be my pet.

Now, that I'm grown up with real adult money, I wonder if I can make my dream an Iowa reality.

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Can You Legally Own A Pet Deer In Iowa?

According to reports, there are approximately 450,000 deer in the state of Iowa. After hunting season there are typically 350,000 of the creatures remaining.

While it might seem fun and wholesome to bring home one of these adorable animals, they are wild animals. If you get too close to them they could attack you, just like any other wild creature.

However, there are five states in the United States that allow residents to own a deer as a pet.

Can You Own A Deer As A Pet In Iowa?

You can legally have a deer as a pet in Rhode Island, Arkansas, South Dakota, Colorado, and Oklahoma.

In some states you can take home a deer as long as you have a permit. These places include Vermont, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Wisconsin, North Dakota, New Mexico, and Idaho.

The Hawkeye State is nowhere on this list! So, if you were thinking of bringing home your very own Bambi, you might want to move to Wisconsin!

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