Iowa, nestled in the heart of the Midwest, boasts a vibrant hunting culture and abundant wildlife. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) oversees hunting seasons, ensuring sustainability and wildlife conservation. With seasons for game species like deer, turkey, waterfowl, and more, Iowa offers a diverse array of hunting opportunities. Hunters must be aware of licensing requirements, bag limits, and specific regulations to participate responsibly in this time-honored outdoor tradition.
When does hunting season begin?
In Iowa, where there is a diverse selection of animals, including deer, turkey, and waterfowl, there is something for every hunter. Hunters are recommended to familiarize themselves with these laws before to going into the field in order to ensure a legal and ethical hunting experience. Before purchasing a license, hunters should develop a plan and consider their options because there are several hunting zones, permits, and special hunts available.
The complete list of Iowa hunting seasons for 2023–2024 is provided below for hunters who want more detailed information on individual species and dates for hunting.
| Season | Start Date | End Date |
| Bobcat Bag limit 1. Requires special reporting and tagging. | Nov 4, 2023 | Feb 28, 2024 |
| Coyote No limit. No closed season. | Jan 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2024 |
| Deer – Youth | Sep 16, 2023 | Oct 1, 2023 |
| Deer – Early Muzzleloader Residents only. | Oct 14, 2023 | Oct 22, 2023 |
| Deer – First Shotgun Non-residents need to apply for special permit. | Dec 2, 2023 | Dec 6, 2023 |
| Deer – Second Shotgun Non-residents need to apply for special permit. | Dec 9, 2023 | Dec 17, 2023 |
| Deer – Late Muzzleloader Non-residents need to apply for special permit. | Dec 18, 2023 | Jan 10, 2024 |
| Deer – Late Archery Non-residents need to apply for special permit. | Dec 18, 2023 | Jan 10, 2024 |
| Deer – Nonresident Holiday Non-residents need to apply for special permit. | Dec 24, 2023 | Jan 2, 2024 |
| Dove Bag limit 15 per day. | Sep 1, 2023 | Nov 29, 2023 |
| Duck – Teal Statewide. Bag limit 6 per day. | Sep 1, 2023 | Sep 16, 2023 |
| Duck – North Youth Bag limit 6 per day. | Sep 23, 2023 | Sep 24, 2023 |
| Duck – Central Youth Bag limit 6 per day. | Sep 30, 2023 | Oct 1, 2023 |
| Duck – Early North Bag limit 6 per day. | Sep 30, 2023 | Oct 6, 2023 |
| Duck – South Youth Bag limit 6 per day. | Oct 7, 2023 | Oct 8, 2023 |
| Duck – Early Central Bag limit 6 per day. | Oct 7, 2023 | Oct 13, 2023 |
| Duck – Early South Bag limit 6 per day. | Oct 7, 2023 | Oct 22, 2023 |
| Duck – Late North Bag limit 6 per day. | Oct 12, 2023 | Dec 5, 2023 |
| Duck – Late Central Bag limit 6 per day. | Oct 21, 2023 | Dec 12, 2023 |
| Duck – Late South Bag limit 6 per day. | Oct 28, 2023 | Dec 19, 2023 |
| Fox – Red and Gray No limit. | Nov 4, 2023 | Feb 28, 2024 |
| Goose – First North Dark geese bag limit 5 per day. Light geese bag limit 20 per day. | Sep 23, 2023 | Oct 8, 2023 |
| Goose – First Central Dark geese bag limit 5 per day. Light geese bag limit 20 per day. | Sep 30, 2023 | Oct 15, 2023 |
| Goose – First South Dark geese bag limit 5 per day. Light geese bag limit 20 per day. | Oct 7, 2023 | Oct 22, 2023 |
| Goose – Second North Dark geese bag limit 5 per day. Light geese bag limit 20 per day. | Oct 14, 2023 | Dec 5, 2023 |
| Goose – Second Central Dark geese bag limit 5 per day. Light geese bag limit 20 per day. | Oct 21, 2023 | Dec 12, 2023 |
| Goose – Second South Dark geese bag limit 5 per day. Light geese bag limit 20 per day. | Oct 28, 2023 | Dec 19, 2023 |
| Goose – Third North Dark geese bag limit 5 per day. Light geese bag limit 20 per day. | Dec 16, 2023 | Jan 13, 2024 |
| Goose – Third Central Dark geese bag limit 5 per day. Light geese bag limit 20 per day. | Dec 23, 2023 | Jan 20, 2024 |
| Goose – Third South Dark geese bag limit 5 per day. Light geese bag limit 20 per day. | Dec 30, 2023 | Jan 27, 2024 |
| Ruffed Grouse Bag limit 3 per day. | Oct 7, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Pheasant – Youth Bag limit 1 per day. | Oct 21, 2023 | Oct 22, 2023 |
| Pheasant – Regular Bag limit 3 per day. | Oct 28, 2023 | Jan 10, 2024 |
| Bobwhite Quail Bag limit 8 per day. | Oct 28, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Rabbit – Cottontail Bag limit 10 per day. | Sep 2, 2023 | Feb 28, 2024 |
| Turkey – Fall Archery 1 Daily bag and season possession limit is one bearded or male wild turkey for each valid license and transportation tag issued to the hunter. | Oct 1, 2023 | Dec 1, 2023 |
| Turkey – Fall Gun/Bow Daily bag and season possession limit is one bearded or male wild turkey for each valid license and transportation tag issued to the hunter. | Oct 10, 2023 | Dec 1, 2023 |
| Turkey – Fall Archery 2 Daily bag and season possession limit is one bearded or male wild turkey for each valid license and transportation tag issued to the hunter. | Dec 18, 2023 | Jan 10, 2024 |
| Turkey – Spring Archery Resident hunters only. | Apr 8, 2024 | May 12, 2024 |
| Turkey – Spring Season 1 Non-residents need special permit. | Apr 8, 2024 | Apr 11, 2024 |
| Turkey – Spring Season 2 Non-residents need special permit. | Apr 12, 2024 | Apr 16, 2024 |
| Turkey – Spring Season 3 Non-residents need special permit. | Apr 17, 2024 | Apr 23, 2024 |
| Turkey – Spring Season 4 Non-residents need special permit. | Apr 24, 2024 | May 12, 2024 |
| Woodcock Bag limit 3 per day. | Oct 7, 2023 | Nov 20, 2023 |
| Gray Partridge Bag limit 8 per day. | Oct 14, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
Hunting rules in Iowa
Turkey
- Non-residents can’t get licenses for fall turkey hunting.
- During the hunting season, the tagged leg must always be attached to the carcass of any wild turkey caught inside the state.
- One turkey license may be held by a landowner or tenant at a time. Only the owner’s or tenant’s real farm is covered by these Landowner-Tenant Licenses.
- All hunters are required by the DNR to register their harvested turkeys using the Harvest Reporting System. If a hunter fails to kill a turkey, they are not compelled to report.
- There is a restriction of two fall turkey permits per resident hunter.
- If the hunter has a current wild turkey license and an empty transportation tag, the dog may locate, flush out, and recover the bird.
- One turkey license may be held by a landowner or tenant at a time. Only the owner’s or tenant’s real farm is covered by these Landowner-Tenant Licenses.
- A local hunter is eligible to apply for and receive up to two spring turkey hunting licenses. A Landowner-Tenant License is one of these possibilities if the hunter is eligible.
Licenses
- Only the zone that the hunter selected when they made their purchase is legal for combination gun/bow licenses.
- Until zone quotas are reached or the season comes to an end, whichever comes first, paid gun/bow licenses are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
- A purchased license for archery only is valid throughout the entire nation. Until the end of the season, licenses are available for purchase without limitations or restrictions.
- For eligible landowners, renters, and members of their immediate families, the Landowner-Tenant Gun/Bow License and the Landowner-Tenant Archery-only License are both still valid at the end of the hunting season.
Zones
- You are allowed to take pictures for an hour and a half before sunrise and an hour after sunset.
- One hour before sunrise and one hour after dusk are designated for bow hunting.
- Hunting is only permitted for teal between dawn and dark.
- The North Zone is defined as the parts of Iowa that are north of a line drawn from Interstate 29 on the South Dakota-Iowa border, south and east along Interstate 29 to State Highway 20, and then north to the Iowa-Illinois border.
- All of Iowa west of Interstate 29 and south of State Highway 92, up to the Illinois state boundary, is regarded as being in the South Zone.
- The Central Zone is the remaining area of the state.
Others
- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state wildlife agencies work together on the Harvest Information Program to better understand the hunting and harvesting of migratory game birds across the nation.
- All hunters of migrating game birds may register for HIP online at www.gooutdoorsiowa.com starting on December 15th.
- As migratory game birds, ducks, geese, coots, doves, woodcock, rails, and snipe may all be found in Iowa.
- The Des Moines, Cedar Rapids-Iowa City, and Waterloo-Cedar Falls zones each have unique Canada goose seasons on particular days throughout the first two weeks of September.
- You’re only permitted to bring five Canada geese home each day in certain places.
- Due to the September Special Teal Season, hunters get a couple of extra days to go out and hunt teal.
- Residents of Iowa who are 15 years of age or younger are free from the state’s habitat and migratory game bird fees as well as the federal duck stamp requirement on Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days.
- Every juvenile hunter must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old.
- All kinds of arrows, including those from longbows, recurve bows, and compound bows, are permitted. Arrows having a minimum diameter of 9/16 inches and blunt ends are acceptable. Each arrow must have a broadhead with a minimum diameter of 7/8 inches. No explosive or chemical device may be attached to the arrow’s broadhead or the arrow itself.
- Every common law governing the hunting of migratory game birds is in force. Hunting is only permitted for teal between dawn and dark. Due to the September Special Teal Season, hunters get a couple extra days to go out and hunt teal.
- Residents of Iowa who are 15 years of age or younger are free from the state’s habitat and migratory game bird fees as well as the federal duck stamp requirement on Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days. Every juvenile hunter must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old.
- Federal regulations on baiting apply significantly differently to doves than to waterfowl and other migratory game birds. For instance, dove hunters are not allowed to shoot from a feeder within 14 days of shooting doves over a baited area or over areas where grain or other feed has been disseminated as a result of ordinary agricultural activity.
License Requirements and Information
In Iowa, a hunting license is required. Numerous different licenses are offered. But the majority will require a general deer license, which is good throughout the state. These permits are good for the capture of a single deer, regardless of gender. For the Bow Season and the other combined seasons, you may buy a single license.
So, if you get the right license, you can annually harvest two different deer.
There are a few exceptions, though. For instance, young people and hunters with disabilities operate significantly differently and require separate licenses. The Early Muzzleloader Season limits are also restricted. As a result, these are offered for sale on a first-come, first-served basis.
You can purchase other license kinds as well. For instance, certain locations occasionally provide permits without antlers. This typically happens when there are too many deer. These licenses are only usable in the region for which you buy them.
Antlerless deer limits are set for each area. Therefore, a maximum number of deer can be taken in each area.
Types of Iowa Deer Seasons
In Iowa, there are many deer seasons, as we’ve already said. These, nonetheless, apply to the entire state generally. As a result, unlike in other areas, hunting is uniform throughout the state.
Let’s examine the restrictions for each Iowa deer season and when they normally occur.
Bow Season
Only bows and arrows may be used during the archery season. Longbows, recurve bows, and compound bows are some of these bows. These bows must fire broadhead arrows devoid of chemicals or explosives. There is no minimum draw weight, though.
Unless you obtain a handicap permit that permits you to use a crossbow, you are not allowed to use one. Only if you are unable to use a bow are these offered. Applications for crossbow usage are also accepted from residents over 65.
If you don’t have a current carry permit, you aren’t allowed to carry a firearm.
Shotgun Seasons
You may only hunt with shotguns during the shotgun season. You can use a single-slug-only shotgun that is 10, 12, 16, or 20 gauge.
Any revolver or pistol with a barrel length of at least four inches qualifies as a handgun. They have to fire an expanding projectile. During deer season, handguns must comply with a number of regulations, one of which is the permissible muzzle energy. Before entering the profession, make sure you fully comprehend these.
There are other requirements for rifles. They must shoot impact-expanding centerfire ammo. There are also a number of other criteria. For example, the estimated muzzle energy must be 500-foot pounds or more.
Only a select few people are permitted to use these during shotgun season.
Muzzleloader Seasons
There are numerous seasons that are muzzleloader-only and allow the use of a variety of weapons. These, however, may only be loaded through the muzzle. They can’t have an electrical ignition, either. Muzzleloaders of the inline and disk variety are acceptable though.
It is also possible to use riflescopes.
You are permitted to use crossbows, pistols, and archery during the late muzzleloader season (with the appropriate license). These are prohibited in the early part of the season.
Youth Deer Season
A youth license can be used during the Youth Season if you are under the age of sixteen. These people need to be supervised by an adult mentor who has a current license. Each kid may be accompanied by just one hunter.
During this time, the normal restrictions on firearms and other weapons are in effect. To put it another way, the weapon must be legal.
Teenagers who turn 16 during the season are required to get a standard license. They may utilize their youth license to hunt, nevertheless, if they are minors during the youth season.
After youth season, unfilled youth tags can be utilized in any subsequent season. Party hunting is not permitted, though. The youngster must be the lone hunter. Like always, minors can acquire additional licenses to take more deer.
Population Management Season
There is a season in January that is dedicated to managing excessive deer populations. These are only brought back if a region doesn’t take enough deer. They are also constrained to the number of deer required for population control. First come, first-served is how they are sold.
Excess Tag January Season
The nation may reintroduce other antlerless permits for a brief season if any antlerless tags remain unsold as of January. Until the quotas are reached, licenses are available. During this period, only antlerless deer may be taken.
Other Regulations To Consider
There are various other requirements that you should take into account in addition to season-specific rules. All hunters should read and comprehend these as they apply to all Iowa hunting seasons.
Those who have a current hunting license may go out with other hunters. Party hunting is what we call this. However, rescuing prey from private property is not considered helpful. Additionally, all attendees must possess valid licenses.
If you have a current deer and hunting license, you may employ dogs to track a wounded deer. However, the hunter must always have control of the dog through a lead that cannot be longer than 50 feet. After that, you can kill the deer using a legal method allowed for the time of year.
At any time, you can utilize the hounds to follow a deer. You must not, however, be in possession of any tools for hunting. The owner of the dog does not need to possess a hunting license. They must, however, be with the hunter who injured the animal.
Any season, you must hunt while wearing a highly noticeable orange article of apparel. A jacket, vest, coat, sweater, shirt, coverall, or sweatshirt must be this item. During shotgun season, a blind may not be used for hunting unless it bears one of these conspicuous orange markers.
On state-owned public hunting sites, you may not erect a tree stand. No metal object may be driven into a tree. However, you are allowed to use ad hoc deer stands and take them down after the hunting season is ended.
When hunting deer, there are various things you shouldn’t do. For example, you are not allowed to use radios, pistols, rifles, crossbows, airplanes, drones, dogs, domestic animals, or electric calls. The only exceptions are for those with disabilities, for whom special accommodations may be granted.
Fines for Not Following Regulations
If you are accused of violating the law regarding hunting, the court will normally impose many fines. You often also have to pay the state back for the animal’s worth. A prize deer, for instance, can cost up to $10,000 and up to 80 hours of community service.
Other infractions change little. They mostly rely on the nature of the offense. The state may also collect any equipment you used during that infraction as proof.
Where are the public hunting areas in Iowa?
| Location | Acres | Zip | Game |
| Buena Vista | 274 | 50588 | Duck, Exotics |
| Allamakee | 1,980 | 52140 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Dove, Exotics |
| Allamakee | 1,674season possession limit | 52151 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Exotics |
| Benton | 2,047 | 52349 | Whitetail Deer, Dove, Duck, Exotics |
| Allamakee | 694 | 52101 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Dove, Exotics |
| Adair | 317 | 50849 | Whitetail Deer, Dove, Exotics |
| Adair | 338 | 50846 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Exotics |
| Allamakee | 1,927 | 0000 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Dove, Exotics |
| Allamakee | 953 | 52160 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Dove, Exotics |
| Allamakee | 320 | 52160 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Exotics |
Iowa Public Hunting Lands:
Only 300,000 acres of public hunting areas are present in Iowa, which is fewer than in other states but still provides excellent chances for hunters. Numerous species, including deer, turkey, pheasants, and a variety of small game, are available for hunting in Iowa. There are two options for hunters interested in going animal hunting on this property to get licenses and permits: through a licensing agent, over the phone, or online. Both citizens and nonresidents of Iowa may purchase licenses and permits, and the costs range. Several helpful initiatives are available to hunters in Iowa.
Additionally, there are specific laws and restrictions for each hunting area in this state that all hunters must abide by or risk having their licenses revoked. It is forbidden to use poisons, chemicals, or sedatives on hunting grounds. Motor vehicles are also not permitted on hunting grounds. However, dogs are not allowed to be used to hunt Deer, Turkey, Muskrat, Mink, River Otter, or Beaver in this state. In order to be recognized, hunters must also wear their orange when out hunting.
Iowa Hunting Seasons:
There are many Iowa hunting seasons, including those for deer, turkeys, and other small game. These seasons might occasionally change from year to year. The youth deer season runs from September 15 to October 30. The disabled Iowa deer season runs from September 15 to October 30. Early Muzzleloader Season runs from October 13 to November 20, Late Muzzleloader Season runs from December 17 to January 10, Regular Gun Seasons 1 and 2 run from December 1 to December 16, Non-Resident Holiday Season runs from December 24 to January 2, and January Antlerless Season runs from January 11 to January 27.
Additionally, the Fall Gun/Bow Season is from October 16 to November 30, and the Fall Archery Season is from October 1 to November 30, as well as from December 17 to January 10. In addition, the Iowa Small Game Season includes the following species: Cottontail Rabbit, Fox/Grey Squirrel, Youth Rooster Pheasant, Bobwhite Quail, Ruffed Grouse, and Crow. The Youth Rooster Pheasant season runs from October 20 to 21. The Rooster Pheasant season runs from October 27 to January 10. And last, you may hunt pigeons and groundhogs at any time of the year.
Craigslist Iowa Public Hunting Lands:
There are more than 200,000 acres of public hunting lands in Iowa according to Craigslist. These lands are ideal for hunters, fishermen, and other nature lovers looking to get outdoors and into the forest. These lands offer great Hunting and Recreation opportunities for the hunters who visit them. The animals that are available in huge amounts on these lands include White-tailed Deer, Turkey, Coyotes, Raccoon, and a few others. Public hunting lands in this state do not provide facilities like restrooms, campsites, washrooms, food corners, etc, but they all are available in the timber company hunting lands.
Since tourists are not permitted on hunting grounds, the majority of hunters in this state choose to go there to pursue their quarry in peace and safety. The minimum age to hunt on hunting grounds is 17, and anyone under the legal age must hunt under the supervision of an adult who has a hunting license in good standing. Finally, there are always designated sections on these grounds for hunters with disabilities to pursue their prey.
What guns and equipment can I use during hunting season?
Archery:
- Equipment
- Bows that shoot broadhead arrows with a minimum length of 18 inches, including longbows, recurve bows, and compound bows.
- Compound bow draw locks
- Restrictions
- There must be no poison or drowsy substance in the arrow.
- There cannot be an explosive point on the arrowhead.
Crossbows:
- Equipment
- a bow with stock or frame positioned transversely that may discharge a bolt, arrow, or quiver when the bowstring is released.
- The crossbow has a mechanical trigger and functional safety.
- Restrictions
- Broadheads must be fitted to crossbow projectiles.
- Except during the Late Muzzleloader season, crossbows are illegal. There are only a few exceptions:
- Hunters with specific permits who are physically challenged.
- Residents with a crossbow deer license are valid solely for antlerless deer in their state who are at least 70 years old.
- For deer or turkey shooting, crossbows with pistol grips and one-handed firing mechanisms are prohibited.
Handguns:
- Equipment
- Centerfire handguns at least.357 caliber and using bullets with a straight wall and expansion.
- The centerfire ammunition is specified as acceptable in Iowa’s hunting laws.
- Restrictions
- All handguns must have barrels that are at least 4″ long.
- During the Late Muzzleloader season, modifications like shoulder stocks and lengthy barrels are not permitted.
- Unless they have an unfilled transportation tag for a season that permits handguns, hunters with an archery tag are not permitted to carry a pistol while hunting.
- Handguns are prohibited for use by hunters who are under 16 years old.
- Only hunters aged 17 to 20 who are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or spouse who is at least 21 years old are permitted to use a handgun.
Rifle Equipment:
- Centerfire guns at least.357 caliber, firing ammunition with a straight wall and an expanding bullet where:
- The centerfire ammunition specified as acceptable in Iowa’s hunting lawsCartridges with straight walls, centerfires, and no rims feature bullets with diameters ranging from 0.357″ to 0.500″ and case lengths ranging from 0.850″ to 1.800″.
- Cartridges with straight walls, centerfire, and rims feature bullets with diameters ranging from 0.357″ to 0.500″ and case lengths between 1.285″ and 1.800″.
- The centerfire ammunition is specified as acceptable in Iowa’s hunting laws.
Muzzleloaders:
- Equipment
- Single-projectile firing flintlock or percussion cap muzzleloading rifles or muskets between.44 and.775 caliber
- Firearms with muzzleloaders.No shoulder stock or long barrel modifications, a minimum barrel length of 4 inches, and a 44 caliber or bigger
- Disc- or in-line muzzleloaders
- Riflescopes
- Restrictions
- Muzzleloaders equipped with electronic ignition are not legal.
Shotgun Equipment:
- 10-, 12-, 16-, and 20-gauge
- Shoot only single slugs
Chronic Wasting Disease
In the US, chronic wasting illness is a rather frequent condition. It invariably proves lethal to deer, elk, caribou, and moose. Every state that borders Iowa has verified it, including in certain circumstances, Iowa itself. In Iowa, 163 wild deer have tested positive as of right now.
In order to stop the sickness from spreading, Iowa is presently monitoring it. Currently, they are using software to assist them in gathering samples. However, the function of hunters is crucial. Deer that are at least 1 1/2 years old must provide a large number of samples. Utilizing hunters is the simplest method for obtaining these samples.
Hunters also contribute to a reduction in the number of deer, which helps stop the spread of illness. They assist in properly disposing of deer as well, in addition.
There aren’t many rules pertaining to this sickness, nevertheless, that hunters must adhere to.
What To Do After a Deer Is Harvested
Any deer that you harvest must be immediately tagged. The deer’s tag must stay on until it is prepared for food. All hunting seasons, with the exception of shotgun seasons, require hunters to shoot only the deer they intend to tag. (During some hunting seasons, group hunting enables certain hunters to assist one another in deer hunting.)
The hunter whose name is on the tag is deemed to be in possession of the deer. A tag that was bought after the deer was taken cannot be used to tag a deer.
A transportation tag that has been given to another hunter is prohibited from being worn by you. Only licenses and tags with their names on them are permitted for hunters.
You must harvest your deer legally (particularly if you intend to donate the animal). After taking the deer, you have 30 minutes to properly field dress it. When the weather is warmer, it is especially crucial to remove the intestines. Utilize disposable gloves and clean instruments to keep the meat clean.
When transporting the deer meat, only use bags made for food. Bags for trash are not intended for this use.
Remove the tag from the backing and fasten it to the deer to properly tag it. Observe the directions printed on the tag. To report your deer, you must have the harvest registration number from your tag. Additionally, you must report the deer’s gender.
The animal must continue to wear both the harvest report tag and the transit tag.
FAQs
1. Does Iowa have a maximum magazine capacity for deer hunting?
There isn’t a cap on the number of rounds that can fit in rifle or shotgun magazines for deer hunting in Iowa.
2. In Iowa, what deer season is it?
The first shotgun season (starting December 4) and the early archery deer season (starting October 1)
3. Are permits for fall turkey hunting in Iowa available to non-residents?
An Iowa autumn turkey hunting license cannot be purchased by a non-Iowa resident.
4. Are there any guidelines for wild turkey tagging in Iowa?
The tagged leg has to remain attached to the dead bird’s body until it is prepared for human consumption during any season when wild turkeys may be harvested in the state.
5. Is there a limit on the number of turkey hunting licenses that a resident hunter can obtain in Iowa?
A resident hunter is allowed two fall turkey licenses, one of which may be a Combination Gun/Bow License, and one of which may be an Archery-only License. One of these permissions, if the hunter is eligible, might be a Landowner-Tenant Permit.
6. Are dogs allowed to be used during the fall Iowa turkey season?
Dogs may be used to find, flush out, and recover game birds as long as the hunter possesses a current wild turkey license and an empty transportation tag.
7. Are there any special September Canada Goose seasons in Iowa?
Hunting for Canada geese is legal in the Des Moines, Cedar Rapids-Iowa City, and Waterloo-Cedar Falls zones for a brief period during the first two weeks of September. You’re only permitted to bring five Canada geese home each day in certain places.
8. When hunting migrating game birds in Iowa, are there any limitations on the use of recorded or electrically amplified bird calls or sounds?
It is forbidden to use or help with imitation bird calls or sounds that have been recorded or electronically enhanced. For the term of the Conservation Order, light geese (including greater and lesser snow and Ross’s geese) are excluded from this rule.
9. In Iowa, are there any restrictions on baiting mourning doves?
Federal dove baiting limits and waterfowl baiting laws differ significantly in several crucial ways. It is against the law to hunt mourning doves over deliberately or accidentally baited areas.