Iowa is a state known for its abundance of outdoor activities, and for those who love hunting, the state has something to offer for all skill levels. Whether you're interested in connecting with nature through unique lodging opportunities at county parks, taking part in one of many programs or events offered throughout each season, or simply looking to test your hunting skills, Iowa has something to offer you.
Deer Hunting Season in Iowa
The deer hunting season in Iowa is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. The season runs from September 18th through January 10th, 2022, and is broken up into two separate archery seasons (early and late split) as well as two shotgun seasons (Seasons 1 & 2). In addition to these, the state offers a youth season, disabled hunter season, and early/late muzzleloader for residents only. The dates for each season are as follows:
Youth Season: September 18th - October 3rd
Disabled Hunter Season (Requires permit): September 18th - October 3rd
Archery Season, Early Split: October 1st - December 3rd
Archery Season Late Split: December 20th - January 10th, 2022
Early muzzleloader (residents only): Oct 16 – 24
Late Muzzleloader: December 20th – January 10th 2022
Shotgun, Season 1: Dec 4 – 8
Shotgun, Season 2: Dec 11 - 19
Turkey Hunting Season in Iowa
The turkey hunting season in Iowa runs from October through December, with additional dates in January 2022. There is a bag limit of one wild turkey per hunter, and a license is issued. The state offers two different seasons depending on the type of license you have; Gun/Bow or Archery only licenses are available until quota fills (for Gun/Bow) or the last day of the season (for Archery).
Gun/Bow License Dates: October 11th - December 3rd
Archery Only License Dates: October 1st – December 3rd & December 20th- January 10th 2022
Bag Limits & Hunting License Requirements 2023
The bag limit for turkey is one bearded or male wild turkey per hunter with a valid license/transportation tag issued from August 15th until the end of the season, or the quota fills up. Additionally, all Deer licenses required to hunt in the state go on sale from August 15th till the end of the season, while non-resident holiday season goes on sale from December 15th till the end of the season. Applications for general deer/ Antlerless only licenses will be accepted May 1st- June 6th, so make sure you get yours before then!
Iowa Game Bird Season 2023
In addition to deer and turkey hunting, Iowa also offers a game bird season throughout the year. The dates for each of the game birds are as follows: Doves (September 1st – November 29th), Snipe (September 4th - November 30th), Rail (September 4th -November 12th), and Woodcock (Oct 2-Nov 15). All of these seasons have different bag limits that you can find on the state’s website.
Hunting Zones in Iowa 2023
Iowa is divided into three hunting zones: North Zone, South Zone, and East Zone. The state provides a map to help you decide which zone best fits your needs during your hunt.
