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 SeasonSept. 16-Oct. 1
Disabled Hunter SeasonSept. 16-Oct. 1
ArcheryOct. 1-Dec. 1
Dec. 18-Jan. 10
MuzzleloaderOct. 14-22
Dec. 18-Jan. 10
ShotgunDec. 2-6
Dec. 9-17
Nonresident Holiday Antlerless OnlyDec. 24-Jan. 2
Population Management January AntlerlessJan. 11-21
Excess Tag January AnterlessJan. 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/BowOct. 10-Dec. 1
Fall ArcheryOct. 1-Dec. 1
Dec. 18-Jan. 10

Iowa Small Game Seasons

Rooster PheasantOct. 29-Jan 10
Youth season: Oct. 21-22
Bobwhite QuailOct. 28-Jan. 31
Ruffed GrouseOct. 7-Jan. 31
Cottontail RabbitSept. 2-Feb. 28
Fox/Gray SquirrelSept. 2-Jan. 31
CrowOct. 15-Nov. 30
Jan. 14-March 31
PigeonOpen season
GroundhogOpen 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.