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Des Moines, IA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Prohibited
Feeding deer or waterfowl
Bird feeder limit
Max 1 cubic foot, 4 ft high
Penalty
Misdemeanor or municipal infraction
Enacted by
Ord. No. 16,066
Applies
Only inside Des Moines city limits

Summary

Feeding deer or waterfowl anywhere in Des Moines, public or private land, is prohibited. Backyard bird feeding is still allowed if the feed stays out of reach of deer and waterfowl.

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.

View official code

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 § 18-217 makes it unlawful to purposely or knowingly feed, or give deer or waterfowl access to food, anywhere inside Des Moines' corporate limits, on public or private land. Songbird and backyard-bird feeding is carved out, but only if the feeder holds no more than one cubic foot of feed, sits at least four feet above ground, and is placed where deer and waterfowl can't reach it. The article (added by Ord. No. 16,066) cites disease spread, aggressive begging behavior, and interrupted migration as the reasons for the ban.

Violations & Fines

A violation is a misdemeanor fineable under § 1-15 or a municipal infraction with a civil penalty; each day of ongoing feeding is a separate offense, and violators can also be ordered to stop and clean up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still feed backyard birds in Des Moines?
Yes. Songbird and backyard-bird feeding is allowed if the feeder holds no more than one cubic foot of feed, sits at least four feet off the ground, and stays out of reach of deer and waterfowl.
What happens if I feed geese or deer in a Des Moines park?
You can be cited for a misdemeanor or municipal infraction with a fine under § 1-15, ordered to stop and clean up, and each additional day of feeding counts as a new violation.
Does this ban apply in West Des Moines or unincorporated Polk County?
No. Sec. 18-217 applies only "within the corporate limits of the city" of Des Moines: neighboring cities like West Des Moines, Urbandale and Ankeny, and unincorporated Polk County, set their own rules.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Des Moines

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSignificant RestrictionsPet LimitsHeavy RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsBeekeepingFew RestrictionsCoyote ManagementHeavy RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Propane StorageSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsFew Restrictions

All Des Moines rules

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