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Types of Hunting
Hunting

Pheasants, quail, cottontail rabbits, and squirrels are Iowa's most popular upland game species. The Upland Wildlife Research Unit monitors yearly harvest and populations, as well as providing information to landowners and hunters.

Small game licenses can be obtained from license agents throughout the state or purchased online. There is a convenience fee applied to all online purchases.

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100 Years of Pheasant Hunting in Iowa

Iowa has long been known as one of the best places in the United States to hunt pheasants. Our rich tradition began on October 20, 1925, and to mark this occasion, the Iowa DNR is celebrating all aspects of pheasant hunting in the Hawkeye State.

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Iowa's Hunting Regulations

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Small Game and Upland Hunting Season Dates

List items for Calendar - Iowa Hunting Seasons, Small Game

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August Roadside Survey

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Each year the Iowa Department of Natural Resources uses a roadside survey to assess its upland game populations. The August Roadside Survey, as it is called, is conducted on sunny calm, mornings, with a heavy dew on the grass, between August 1st-15th of each year with results posted in September. Most upland wildlife, particularly pheasants, hate to be wet. On mornings with a heavy dew, hen pheasants bring their broods to the roadsides to dry off before they begin feeding. This natural tendency allows the birds to be counted and reproduction can be evaluated by counting the number of broods seen and their size.

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Pheasants & Upland Game Hunting FAQs

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