Iowa Game Hunting Season 2025-2026 – Bag Limits & County Guidelines
Are you planning your next outdoor adventure in the Hawkeye State? Iowa offers incredible hunting opportunities for both residents and visitors alike. From trophy whitetails to upland game birds, the state’s diverse habitat creates perfect conditions for a wide variety of wildlife. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 2025-2026 Iowa hunting seasons, including key dates, licensing requirements, zone information, and more.
Iowa Hunting Season Overview
Iowa’s reputation as a hunting destination is well-deserved, with abundant wildlife populations across its prairies, woodlands, and waterways. Whether you’re targeting big game with your bow, going after pheasants with your trusty shotgun, or setting up for waterfowl in one of the state’s wetlands, Iowa offers memorable experiences for enthusiasts of all skill levels.
This guide provides the latest information on seasons, bag limits, and regulations to help ensure your adventure is both successful and compliant with state laws. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages the state’s wildlife resources and establishes hunting regulations to maintain healthy populations for generations to come.
Quick Reference: Key Species & Dates
| Species | Season Opens | Season Closes | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer (Archery) | Oct. 1 | Jan. 10, 2026 | Bow |
| Deer (Shotgun First) | Dec. 6 | Dec. 10 | Shotgun |
| Turkey (Fall) | Oct. 1 | Jan. 10, 2026 | Gun/Bow |
| Pheasant | Oct. 25 | Jan. 10, 2026 | Shotgun |
| Waterfowl (Central Zone) | Sept. 27 | Jan. 17, 2026* | Shotgun |
| Dove | Sept. 1 | Nov. 29 | Shotgun |
*Split seasons apply – check zone-specific dates below
🦌 Big Game: Archery & Rifle Opportunities
White-tailed Deer
Iowa’s premier big game species offers extensive opportunities across multiple seasons:
Youth & Disabled Hunter Seasons:
- Sept. 20 – Oct. 5, 2025
Archery Season:
- Oct. 1 – Dec. 5, 2025
- Dec. 22 – Jan. 10, 2026
Muzzleloader Seasons:
- Early: Oct. 11-19, 2025
- Late: Dec. 22 – Jan. 10, 2026
Shotgun Seasons:
- First: Dec. 6-10, 2025
- Second: Dec. 13-21, 2025
- Nonresident Holiday: Dec. 24 – Jan. 2, 2026
Special Antlerless Seasons:
- Population Management: Jan. 11-25, 2026
- Excess Tag: Jan. 11-25, 2026
🎟️ Tag Info: Residents and nonresidents must purchase appropriate deer licenses. Antlerless tags available through lottery system for population management units.
🦃 Turkey Seasons: Spring & Fall Opportunities
Fall Turkey
- Gun/Bow Season: Oct. 1 – Dec. 5, 2025 AND Dec. 22 – Jan. 10, 2026
- Archery Only: Oct. 13 – Dec. 5, 2025 AND Dec. 22 – Jan. 10, 2026
Shooting Hours:
- Gun: ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
- Bow: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset
🔗 Harvest reporting is mandatory – report online at iowadnr.gov or call the number on your harvest tag.
🦫 Furbearers & Predators
Trapping Seasons
- Muskrat, Fox, Coyote, Badger, Mink, Weasel, Opossum, Striped Skunk: Nov. 1 – Feb. 28, 2026
- Beaver: Nov. 1 – April 15, 2026
- Otter: Nov. 1 – Feb. 28, 2026 (Contact conservation officer within 24 hours)
- Bobcat: Nov. 1 – Feb. 28, 2026 (Contact conservation officer within 24 hours)
Year-Round Opportunities
- Raccoon (Private Land): Continuous open period
- Coyote & Groundhog: No restrictions
🐦 Upland Birds
Pheasant
- Youth Season: Oct. 18-19, 2025 (Daily bag: 1, Possession: 2)
- Regular Season: Oct. 25 – Jan. 10, 2026 (Daily bag: 3, Possession: 12)
- Shooting Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Quail & Partridge
- Bobwhite Quail: Oct. 25 – Jan. 31, 2026 (Daily bag: 8, Possession: 16)
- Gray Partridge: Oct. 11 – Jan. 31, 2026 (Daily bag: 8, Possession: 16)
Grouse
- Ruffed Grouse: Oct. 4 – Jan. 31, 2026 (Daily bag: 3, Possession: 6)
🐰 Upland Animals & Small Game
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag | Possession | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | Aug. 30 – Feb. 28, 2026 | 10 | 20 | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Jack Rabbit | Closed | – | – | – |
| Fox & Gray Squirrel | Aug. 31 – Jan. 31, 2026 | 6 | 12 | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Crow | Oct. 15 – Nov. 30 & Jan. 14 – March 31, 2026 | No Limit | No Limit | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Pigeon | Continuous Open | No Limit | No Limit | No Restrictions |
🕊️ Migratory Birds
Doves
- Mourning Dove: Sept. 1 – Nov. 29, 2025
- Daily Bag: 15, Possession: 45
- Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
Other Migratory Species
- Teal (Special Season): Sept. 6-14, 2025
- Snipe: Sept. 6 – Nov. 30, 2025
- Rails (Virginia & Sora): Sept. 6 – Nov. 14, 2025
- Woodcock: Oct. 4 – Nov. 17, 2025
🦆 Ducks, Scaup, Mergansers
Youth Waterfowl
- Sept. 27 – Oct. 3, 2025 (Ducks, Coots, Mergansers)
North Zone
- Ducks: Sept. 20-21, 2025
Central Zone
- Ducks: Sept. 27-28, Oct. 4-10 & Oct. 18 – Dec. 9, 2025
South Zone
- Ducks: Oct. 4-5, Oct. 11-17 & Oct. 25 – Dec. 16, 2025
🪿 Geese & Other Waterfowl
Dark & Light Geese (Canada, Snow, Ross’, White-fronted, Brant)
North Zone:
- Sept. 20 – Oct. 5, 2025
- Oct. 11 – Dec. 2, 2025
- Dec. 13 – Jan. 10, 2026
Central Zone:
- Sept. 27 – Oct. 12, 2025
- Oct. 18 – Dec. 9, 2025
- Dec. 20 – Jan. 17, 2026
South Zone:
- Oct. 4-19, 2025
- Oct. 25 – Dec. 16, 2025
- Dec. 27 – Jan. 24, 2026
🎯 Additional Game Opportunities
Continuous Seasons
Several species offer year-round opportunities for pest control and furbearer management:
- Coyote & Groundhog: No closed periods or bag restrictions
- Raccoon (Private Land Only): Continuous open period
- Pigeon: No restrictions on dates, methods, or bag limits
Iowa Hunting Zones Map
Iowa divides hunting areas into specific zones for various species. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, hunters should consult the Iowa DNR Hunting Atlas, an interactive map showing all lands open to public hunting in the state, totaling over 763,000 acres.
The state also offers the Habitat & Access Program (IHAP), which has enrolled more than 30,000 acres across 57 counties that are now open for walk-in public hunting from September 1 – May 31 each year. These areas provide additional opportunities beyond traditional public lands.
License and Tag Information
Resident License Fees
- Hunting (16 years & older): $22.00
- Habitat Fee (required, age 16-64): $15.00
- Hunting & Habitat Fee Combo: $35.00
- Lifetime Hunting (65 years & older): $61.50
Non-Resident License Fees
- Hunting (18 years & older): $131.00
- Hunting (16-17 years old): $32.00
- Habitat Fee: $15.00
- Deer License: $498.00 (plus required hunting license)
Additional Tags and Licenses
Special licenses are required for specific game species:
- Spring Turkey Tags
- Fall Turkey Tags
- Deer Tags (antlered or antlerless)
- Fur Harvester Licenses
Licenses can be purchased online through Go Outdoors Iowa or at authorized retailers throughout the state.
Hunting FAQ
Q: Do I need hunter education?
A: Yes, anyone born after January 1, 1972, must complete an approved hunter education program before purchasing a hunting license in Iowa.
Q: Can I hunt on my own land without a license?
A: Iowa residents who own land do not need a license to hunt small game on their own property, but still need licenses for deer and turkey hunting.
Q: Are there special youth hunting opportunities?
A: Yes, Iowa offers special youth seasons for deer, turkey, and pheasant with reduced license fees for hunters under 16.
Q: Where can I hunt if I don’t have private land access?
A: Iowa has over 763,000 acres of public hunting land. The Iowa DNR’s interactive Hunting Atlas shows all areas open to public hunting.
Q: Can I hunt at night in Iowa?
A: Night hunting is generally prohibited except for specific furbearer species under certain conditions. Check regulations for details.
Related Resources
Looking for more information? Check out these helpful links:
Plan Your Iowa Hunting Adventure
Whether you’re pursuing trophy bucks in the timbered river valleys, flushing ring-necked pheasants from native grasslands, or setting decoys for migrating waterfowl, Iowa offers memorable hunting experiences for sportsmen and women of all skill levels. Plan your trip, secure your permits, and discover why the Hawkeye State ranks among the best hunting destinations in the Midwest.
Most importantly, always verify current regulations at iowadnr.gov before heading afield, as conditions and specific area rules can change. Whether you’re a resident taking advantage of familiar territory or a nonresident exploring Iowa’s abundant wildlife, proper preparation ensures both successful and legal outdoor experiences.
Happy hunting, and remember to practice safe, ethical, and conservation-minded sportsmanship in Iowa’s great outdoors!
