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Field Guide  /  State Hunting Guide

The Guide to the Iowa Hunting Seasons 2025

Author Image for Teri Williams

7 Minute Read

If you don't live in Iowa but you hunt whitetail deer, you need to plan a hunting trip to the Hawkeye State at least once in your lifetime. It is arguably "the" top state for whitetail deer hunts.

You'll also find plenty of waterfowl, upland bird, and turkey hunting opportunities in Iowa. So, if you hunt different types of wild game throughout the year, you're in the right place to hunt in this state.

Ready to plan your hunting year for the Iowa hunting seasons? This guide will help you plan around season dates, bag limits, hunting licenses, and more. We'll also help you find the best public or private land for a challenging and fun hunt.

Updated May 14, 2025

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Why Do Hunters Hunt in Iowa?

Whitetail, whitetail, whitetail.

Not only does Iowa have a large deer population, but the state has hundreds of thousands of acres of land to keep them well-fed. There are also ample opportunities to hunt other types of wild game, including birds and coyotes.

So, whether you live in the state and plan a deer hunt every year or travelling to Iowa for an out-of-state hunt is on your to-do list this year, getting out with your bow or firearm is sure to be rewarding.

Where Should I Hunt?

Iowa provides plenty of public land and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) for hunting. Additionally, more than 32,000 acres are accessible through the Iowa Habitat and Access Program. This program provides funding to private landowners for improvements to their habitats and access to public land through their properties. 

You'll experience rolling hills or flat plains, depending on where you hunt.

With the HuntWise app, you can scout the land and identify boundaries to find the best places (and permissions) for your hunt. Our 3-D maps help you visualize the terrain so you're prepared no matter the animals you hunt or where you trek to tag out.

 

A female hunter shows off a whitetail buck after a hunt, Iowa hunting seasons concept.

When Can I Hunt?

The Iowa hunting seasons are not complicated, making it simple to plan your hunt schedule throughout the year for what you want to hunt.

Note that the hunting information we provide in this guide is the latest available from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR). We'll update this guide with the latest season information as new details become available.

We also recommend checking official resources for the latest hunting season dates as you plan your hunts, as information can change.
 

Deer

  • Archery:
    • Early Split: October 1 – December 5, 2025
    • Late Split: December 22, 2025 – January 10, 2026
  • Muzzleloader:
    • Early: October 11 – 19, 2025
    • Late: December 22, 2025 – January 10, 2026
  • Shotgun 1: December 6 – 10, 2025
  • Shotgun 2: December 13 – 21, 2025
  • Nonresident Holiday: December 24, 2025 – January 2, 2026
  • Population Management January (Antlerless): January 11 – 19, 2025
  • Excess Tag January (Antlerless): January 11 – 25, 2026
  • Iowa Youth Deer Season: September 20 – October 5, 2025

Iowa Turkey Seasons

Spring

Residents and nonresidents can hunt turkey in the spring.
 

  • Season 1: April 13 – 16, 2026
  • Season 2: April 17 – 21, 2026
  • Season 3: April 22 – 28, 2026
  • Season 4: April 29 – May 17, 2026
  • Youth (Residents Only): April 10 – 12, 2026
  • Archery Only (Residents): April 13 – May 17, 2026


Fall

Residents only. Nonresidents are not eligible for fall turkey licenses.

  • Gun/Bow: October 13 – December 5, 2025
  • Archery Only: October 1 – December 5, 2025 and December 22, 2025 – January 10, 2026

Migratory Birds

  • Special September Teal (Statewide): September 6 – 14, 2025
  • Youth Waterfowl:
    • North Zone: September 20 – 21, 2025
    • Central Zone: September 27 – 28, 2025
    • South Zone: October 4 – 5, 2025
  • Duck, Merganser, Coot:
    • North Zone: September 27 – October 3, 2025 and October 11 – December 2, 2025
    • Central Zone: October 4 – 10, 2025 and October 18 – December 9, 2025
    • South Zone: October 11 – 17, 2025 and October 25 – December 16, 2025
  • Dark and Light Geese:
    • North Zone: September 20 – October 5, 2025, October 11 – December 2, 2025, and December 13, 2025 – January 10, 2026
    • Central Zone: September 27 – October 12, 2025, October 18 – December 9, 2025, and December 20, 2025 – January 17, 2026
    • South Zone: October 4 – 19, 2025, October 25 – December 16, 2025, and December 27, 2025 – January 24, 2026
  • Dove (Statewide): September 1 – November 29, 2025
  • Snipe (Statewide): September 6 – November 30, 2025
  • Rail (Statewide): September 6 – November 14, 2025
  • Woodcock (Statewide): October 4 – November 17, 2025

Small Game

  • Pheasant Season in Iowa:
    • Youth: October 18 – 19, 2025
    • Rooster: October 25, 2025 – January 10, 2026
  • Bobwhite Quail: October 25, 2025 – January 31, 2026
  • Ruffed Grouse: October 4, 2025 – January 31, 2026
  • Gray Partridge: October 11, 2025 – January 31, 2026
  • Rabbit (Cottontail Only): August 30, 2025 – February 28, 2026
  • Squirrel (Fox and Gray): August 30, 2025 – January 31, 2026
  • Crow: October 15 – November 30, 2025 and January 14 – March 31, 2026
  • Groundhog: Continuous Open Season
  • Pigeon: Continuous Open Season
  • Coyote: Continuous Open Season

 

Learn more about hunting seasons and regulations through the Iowa DNR website.


 

A hunter bends over a turkey after a hunt, Iowa hunting season concept.

 

What Do I Need to Know About Regulations for Hunting Season in Iowa?

All hunters born after January 1, 1972, must pass a hunter education course before getting a hunting license. Then, depending on the game you plan to hunt, you'll need the corresponding license.

Some licenses require an application, so be sure you know the dates to submit your application for your best chance of getting a license for the game you want to hunt. If you're hunting in Iowa from out of state, make sure you know when and what you can hunt with a nonresident license.

When you're ready to get your license, you can purchase online or through a local retailer.  

What are the Bag Limits?

How many whitetail, turkey, or pheasants can you bring home this year? To comply with the laws for the Iowa hunting seasons, make sure you know the bag limits for every animal you plan to hunt. 

Here's an overview of the state's bag limits.

 

DeerBased on quotasWoodcock3 per day (3x daily in possession)
Turkey1 bearded or male for each licensePheasant

1 per day (2 in possession, Youth)

3 per day (12 in possession, Rooster)

September Teal6 per day (3x daily in possession)Quail8 per day (16 in possession)
Duck6 per day (3x daily in possession)Partridge8 per day (16 in possession)
Merganser5 per day (3x daily in possession)Ruffed Grouse3 per day (6 in possession)
Coot15 per day (3x daily in possession)Rabbit (Cottontail)10 per day (20 in possession)
Dark Geese5 per day (no more than 2 Canada Geese in the first segment, no more than 3 Canada Geese starting with the second season and on), (3x daily in possession)Squirrel6 per day (12 in possession)
Light Geese20 per day (no possession limit)GroundhogNo limits
Dove15 per day (3x daily in possession)CrowNo limits
Snipe8 per day (3x daily in possession)PigeonNo limits
Rail12 per day (3x daily in possession)CoyoteNo limits

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

Whether you're excited about spring turkey season in Iowa or you wait patiently for deer season, you need the right gear!

Successful hunts require a sharp hunting knife, good binoculars, the right clothing (depending on the season), and a good rifle for firearm seasons.

Remember: You can save money by getting geared up as a HuntWise app user! Use exclusive gear discounts through our app partners to save hundreds on gear.

 

Two hunters in a boat with a dog to hunt waterfowl.

Tag Out During the Iowa Hunting Seasons with HuntWise

We hope this guide helps you plan your hunts in Iowa this year — but don't forget to check official resources for the latest details when finalizing your plans.

What else do you need for success? The HuntWise hunting app! Our 3-D maps and layers give you an advantage over other hunters and increase your chances of a successful day in the field.

Plus, Elite subscribers have access to more tools in the app, including up to 15 days of animal activity and weather forecasting.

Download the app and start your free trial. You'll be ahead of the game (and other hunters) for opening day! 

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