Official State of Iowa Website Here is how you know
Furbearer

2020-21 Hunting, Trapping and Migratory Game Bird Regulations

This is not a complete set of hunting, fishing and trapping laws but contains the information you are most likely to need to safely participate in these outdoor activities.



Fur Harvester Education

Fur Harvester Education is not-mandatory in Iowa in order to hunt or trap.  This course is designed to give participants the knowledge, skill, attitude, and judgment to selectively and responsibly trap furbearing animals for the many benefits it provides.

Participants who attend a hands-on Iowa Fur Harvester Education Workshop will receive instruction on:

  • History and heritage of the fur trade;
  • Biology and management of Iowa furbearers;
  • Wildlife regulations and their purpose;
  • Ethics and responsibility;
  • Fur harvesting equipment;
  • The basics of harvesting Iowa Furbearers;
  • Marketing Furbearers;
  • Public relations; and
  • The basics of outdoor safety and survival.

To sign up for a hands-on Fur Harvester Education Workshop visit Go Outdoors Iowa Events to locate and register for an upcoming workshop in your area!

The Iowa DNR also recognizes the online Today's Trapper Course as a means to receive certification.  Those students wishing to complete the course online to receive certification must complete the course by clicking the link below and following the additional instructions to receive an Iowa Fur Harvester Education Certificate.

To take the online Today's Trapper Course visit:


Occasional Wildlife Visitors to Iowa

Populations of large mammals, once native to Iowa, have been gone from the Iowa landscape for 80 to 100 years. While we no longer have breeding populations of these animals in Iowa, expanding populations in nearby states increases the potential to receive visits from wandering animals. Find out more about our occasional wildlife visitors.
 

Setting a trap and a successful harvest, photos

How to Remove A Dog From a Snare
YouTube: South Dakota GFP

How to Remove A Dog From a Trap
YouTube: South Dakota GFP

Trapping & Fur Harvesting Season Dates

furbearer

We work hard to keep our calendar current, but always refer to the hunting regulation booklet for official, legal season dates.


2023-2024 Furbearer Hunting Season Dates Hours Daily/Possession
Opossum, Badger, Striped Skunk, Fox (Red and Gray) Nov 4 - Feb 28, 2024
8 a.m. on First Day No Limit / No Limit
Bobcats Nov 4 - Feb 28, 2024
8 a.m. on First Day Hunting Regulations
Coyote Continuous Open No Restrictions No Limit / No Limit
Raccoon Continuous Open No Restrictions No Limit / No Limit

2023-2024 Furbearer Trapping Season Dates Hours Daily/Possession
Coyote, Mink, Muskrat, Weasel, Striped Skunk, Badger, Opossum, Fox (Red and Gray) Nov 4 - Feb 28, 2024 8 a.m. on First Day No Limit / No Limit
Beaver Nov 4 - Apr 15, 2024 8 a.m. on First Day No Limit / No Limit
Otter Nov 4 - Feb 28, 2024 8 a.m. on First Day 3 / 3
Bobcat Nov 4 - Feb 28, 2024 8 a.m. on First Day Hunting Regulations
Raccoon Continuous Open No restrictions No Limit / No Limit
Civet Cat (Spotted Skunk) Continuous Closed    
Gray Wolf Continuous Closed    

A furharvester license is required to hunt or trap furbearers. Coyote or groundhog may be hunted on a hunting or furharvester license.