Hunting dog working in a fall field.

Hunting & Trapping

Explore the beauty and bounty of hunting and trapping in Iowa, from white-tailed deer to pheasants to migratory game birds. 

DEER CHANGES: Iowa now has TWO deer hunting zones

Iowa now has TWO ZONES for resident deer hunting: ZONE A and ZONE B. Hunters may purchase up to two General Deer licenses, including any combination of ZONE A or ZONE B licenses, consisting of no more than one archery season and one firearm season tag of choice.

The new ZONE B counties (in red) includes CRAWFORD, IDA, LYON, O’BRIEN, PLYMOUTH, SHELBY, SIOUX, & WOODBURY.

All other counties not in ZONE B, are in ZONE A.  ZONE A licenses are NOT allowed in ZONE B.

More: 2026-27 Hunting Season Changes

Map showing The new ZONE B counties CRAWFORD, IDA, LYON, O’BRIEN, PLYMOUTH, SHELBY, SIOUX, & WOODBURY.
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EHD & Bluetongue Reporting

Hunters and landowners that suspect hemorrhagic disease-related deer mortalities are encouraged to report their observations using the EHD/Bluetongue Reporting Tool.  Or, see a dashboard of annual reports.

Reporting this information leads to a better understanding of where and how these diseases are affecting Iowa's deer population.

Hunting News

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September 1, 2026

Special September teal season opens Sept. 5

Iowa’s first duck season of 2026 - the statewide special September teal-only season – opens for nine days beginning Sept. 5.

Wildlife - Migratory Game Birds
Hunting