Discover Small Game

Iowa offers both in person and virtual learning opportunities, as well as a host of video and print resources.

In-Person Events

Virtual Events

Iowa law requires that anyone born after January 1, 1972 must be certified in hunter education before they are eligible to purchase an Iowa hunting license. Iowa recognizes hunter education certificates issued by another state and some foreign nations.

Hunter education classes are typically held March 1 - November 15 each year. Our courses are taught by volunteer instructors who are hunters, so there are very few classes that take place after November 15.

For persons over the age of 18, they can complete the course completely online at www.hunter-ed.com/iowa. For persons under 18 or those that would like more firearms handling, the course can be either taken completely in person or in a hybrid format where coursework is done online and then completed in person. To find upcoming classes, visit gooutdoorsiowa.com

Apprentice Hunting License
This license allows hunters age 16 and older to bypass the hunter education requirement for purchasing a hunting license while they hunt under the direct supervision of a licensed hunter. You may purchase the apprentice hunting license up to two times without having completed hunter education. More information can be found here: Apprentice Hunting License Info

Iowa DNR Hunting Atlas
The Iowa DNR has created a hunting atlas for you to view public hunting locations across the state. It is an interactive map that shows all lands (wildlife management areas, state forests, county conservation board management areas, Army Corps of Engineers, habitat and access program and some U.S. Fish and Wildlife refuges) open to public hunting in the state, totaling over 721,806 acres. The hunting atlas also gives basic information about those areas such as: acres, general habitat description, expected species and links to more information and maps, if available. It will also tell a user what hunting zones any area of the state falls into. Check it out to help you plan your next hunt!

Iowa Habitat and Access Program
The Iowa Habitat and Access Program has grown to nearly 29,000 acres, significantly increasing the amount of land available to hunters in Iowa. These opportunities are thanks to landowners who participate in the Iowa Habitat and Access (IHAP) program. Landowners receive funding and expertise for habitat improvements when they enroll in the program, and in turn allow public access to their land for hunting.

Iowa DNR Wildlife Management Areas
Public hunting and wildlife management area maps for additional hunting areas.

Iowa DNR Shooting Ranges
The department offers several public shooting ranges across the state which offer hunters a place to practice shooting safely and conveniently.