Iowa DNR, Wildlife


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Turkey Information
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Turkey Hunting in Iowa

By the early 1900's, unrestricted market hunting and drastic reductions in habitat had eliminated wild turkeys in Iowa. For many years, the thunderous gobbles of the wild turkey were absent from Iowa's woodlands and forests.

This silence was broken in 1966 when the Iowa Department of Natural Resources initiated a program to return the wild turkey to Iowa. Wild turkeys were released at several sites across the state, with the first release occurring in Lee County, Iowa. Over the past 30 years, the restoration of Iowa's wild turkey population has resulted from natural expansion from the early release sites.


Hunting and Trapping Regulations,*.pdf
- Season Dates, Upland Game Hunting Regulations, Deer Hunting Regulations, Fall Turkey Regulations, Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations, Nonresident Spring Turkey Hunting Information, Sunrise-Sunset Table
- Regulations Quick Reference Card,*pdf


Applying for a Turkey Hunting License

Residents purchase turkey hunting licenses through license vendors, purchase online or through the telephone ordering system (1-800-367-1188).

Nonresidents can apply online or by telephone
(1-800-367-1188), as explained in the application information below that should be reviewed before applying for a permit. License applications accepted January 1-24, 2010.

  • 2010 Non-Resident Turkey Application Status
    - Results Posted beginning February 2010

Information for making an application including license cost, seasons, zones, quotas, phone numbers can be obtained online:

NOTE: INTERNET SALES OF DEER AND TURKEY LICENSES WILL BE SUSPENDED 10 DAYS PRIOR TO THE OPENING OF THE RESPECTIVE SEASON (not including bow season).

 
*.pdf
Wild Turkey Restoration
PDF File Format
Wild Turkey Information, Brochure
PDF File Format
Turkey Depredation - Turkeys and Crops
PDF File Format
Turkey, Photo by Lowell Washburn
Buy your license online
Landowner Tenant Information
Harvest Reporting, Deer and Turkey
 
2010 Spring Turkey

Youth Season: Apr 9-11
  (IA residents only)

Combination Gun/Bow:
Season 1: Apr 12 - 15
Season 2: Apr 16 - 20
Season 3: Apr 21 - 27
Season 4: Apr 28 - May 16

Archery: Apr 12 - May 16
  (IA residents only)
 
Shooting Hours
Gun:
1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset

Bow:
1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset

Spring 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.

 
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Order Your Plate Today!
Order You Plate Today!
 

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