Iowa Hunting Seasons, 2023-2024
At the northern portion of the Midwest, Iowa has several game animals to offer hunters. Iowa hunting seasons include deer, turkey, pheasant and a listing of small game.
Hunters can purchase licenses and permits in several ways: through a license agent, over the phone or online. Licenses and permits are available for both Iowa residents and nonresidents, and vary in price. Successful hunters can also utilize the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website to report harvested game, specifically deer and turkey.
Iowa offers several beneficial programs for hunters. The Habitat and Access program (IHAP) encourages property owners to open their land to the public. Hunters can access these lands between September 1 and May 31. The state Hunting Atlas allows hunters to begin planning their next outdoor excursion. The interactive map shows more than 600,000 acres of public hunting areas and provides information about animal habitats and hunting zones. Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) include more than 360,000 acres open to the public for hunting and trapping.
Iowa Deer Seasons
Youth Season | Sept. 16-Oct. 1 |
Disabled Hunter Season | Sept. 16-Oct. 1 |
Archery | Oct. 1-Dec. 1 Dec. 18-Jan. 10 |
Muzzleloader | Oct. 14-22 Dec. 18-Jan. 10 |
Shotgun | Dec. 2-6 Dec. 9-17 |
Nonresident Holiday Antlerless Only | Dec. 24-Jan. 2 |
Population Management January Antlerless | Jan. 11-21 |
Excess Tag January Anterless | Jan. 11-21 |
Deer hunters are required to purchase permits for each deer collected. In 2023, Iowa is also hosting a Population Management January Antlerless season and Excess Tag January Antlerless season, by permit only. For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website.
Iowa Turkey Seasons
Fall Gun/Bow | Oct. 10-Dec. 1 |
Fall Archery | Oct. 1-Dec. 1 Dec. 18-Jan. 10 |
Iowa Small Game Seasons
Rooster Pheasant | Oct. 29-Jan 10 Youth season: Oct. 21-22 |
Bobwhite Quail | Oct. 28-Jan. 31 |
Ruffed Grouse | Oct. 7-Jan. 31 |
Cottontail Rabbit | Sept. 2-Feb. 28 |
Fox/Gray Squirrel | Sept. 2-Jan. 31 |
Crow | Oct. 15-Nov. 30 Jan. 14-March 31 |
Pigeon | Open season |
Groundhog | Open season |
Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Iowa hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website.