Des Moines, IA Animal Ordinances: Coyote Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted by
- Ordinance No. 16,066
- Covers
- deer and waterfowl citywide
- Bird feeders
- max 1 cubic ft, 4 ft high
- Penalty
- misdemeanor or civil infraction fine
- Enforcement
- each day is a separate offense
Summary
Des Moines Municipal Code § 18-217 makes it illegal to feed deer or waterfowl anywhere in the city, on public or private land, to curb disease spread and dangerous habituation to people. Backyard bird feeding is still allowed under strict feeder rules.
No person shall purposely or knowingly, feed or in any manner provide access to food to any deer or waterfowl within the corporate limits of the city, on lands either publicly or privately owned. Feeding does not include baiting in the legal taking of fish and/or game, or baiting by a city official, an animal control service or by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.(b)Feeding of songbirds and other backyard birds, not including waterfowl, shall be permitted outdoors at such times and in such a manner that:(1)Any feed must be placed within a bird feeder with a maximum volume of not more than one cubic foot, placed at least four feet above ground.(2)Bird feeders are placed where deer or waterfowl are unable to eat from them and do not become an attractant for deer and waterfowl. (O.16,066)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City code bars anyone from purposely or knowingly feeding deer or waterfowl anywhere within Des Moines, on public or private land alike. The ban exists because handouts draw deer and waterfowl into yards, spread disease, and strip the animals of the wariness that normally keeps them clear of people, pets and traffic. Backyard bird feeding is still allowed, but only from a feeder no larger than one cubic foot, mounted at least four feet off the ground, and positioned so deer and waterfowl can't reach it. Baiting for licensed hunting, fishing, or animal-control operations is exempt.
Violations & Fines
Feeding deer or waterfowl is a misdemeanor or a municipal infraction carrying a civil penalty under § 1-15; each day the feeding continues counts as a separate offense, and the city can also order cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still feed songbirds in my Des Moines yard?
Does this ban also cover coyotes?
What happens if I keep feeding deer after a warning?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Moines
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