We set out to create the most simplified guide to Iowa hunting seasons for 2023.
Want to find out season dates, learn about regulations and bag limits, understand license requirements, and get access helpful links?
Then you’ll love the info outlined in today’s guide. Let’s dive right in.
With great lakes accessible throughout the state, Iowa offers natural beauty unlike any other! Iowa’s County Parks offer over 215,000 acres featuring close to 2000 miles of trails and a lot of programs and events Including some unique lodging as well.
Doves: Sept 1 - Nov 29
Snipe: Sept 4 - Nov 30
Rail: Sept 4 - Nov 12
Woodcock: Oct 2 - Nov 15
See the map below for a breakdown of Iowa's hunting zones:
Turkey bag limit: Daily bag and season possession limit is one bearded or male wild turkey for each valid license and transportation tag issued to the hunter.
Licenses are available from the sales date of Aug 15 through the end of the season, or until quota fills.
Applications for general deer/ Antlerless only license will be accepted May 1- June 6. All Deer licenses required to hunt in the state go on sale August 15th till the end of the season. Non resident holiday season goes on sale Dec 15 till the end of the season.
Iowa hunting hours: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset.
Official State Site: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting
Early Archery deer season opens October 1 and first shotgun open December 4th.
Yes, new regulations expanded what is legal for deer hunting. Hunters are no longer limited to using straight-walled cartridge rifles.
Second shotgun deer season opens December 11 in Iowa.