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2024/25 Iowa Hunting, Trapping, & Migratory Game Bird Regulations
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2025/26 Iowa Hunting Seasons & Limits Card
Quick reference printable card.
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2025/26 Iowa Migratory Game Bird Seasons & Limits Card
Quick reference printable card.
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Nonresident Hunting & Applications
Nonresident hunting guide, maps, forms, & more.
Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a beginner, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors in Iowa. Iowa's hunting seasons can be found below for those looking to plan their hunting trips and activities.
List items for Calendar - Iowa Hunting Seasons, Deer
| Deer Seasons | Dates |
|---|---|
| Youth | Sept. 20-Oct. 5 |
| Archery | Oct. 1-Dec. 5 |
| Archery | Dec. 22-Jan. 10, 2026 |
| Early Muzzleloader | Oct. 11-19 |
| Shotgun Season 1 | Dec. 6-10 |
| Shotgun Season 2 | Dec. 13-21 |
| Late Muzzleloader | Dec. 22-Jan. 10, 2026 |
| Nonresident Holiday | Dec. 24-Jan. 2, 2026 |
| January Antlerless | Jan. 11-25, 2026 |
We work hard to keep our calendars current, but always refer to the Iowa Hunting, Trapping, & Migratory Game Bird Regulations for official, legal season dates.
List items for Calendar - Iowa Hunting Seasons, Migratory Game Bird
| Season | North Zone | Central Zone | South Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Waterfowl | Sep. 20 - 21 | Sep. 27 - 28 | Oct. 4 - 5 |
| Ducks, Mergansers & Coots | Sep. 27 - Oct. 3 | Oct. 4 - Oct. 10 | Oct. 11 - Oct. 17 |
| Oct. 11 - Dec. 2 | Oct. 18 - Dec. 9 | Oct. 25 -Dec. 16 | |
| Dark Geese & Light Geese | Sep. 20 - Oct. 5 | Sep. 27 - Oct. 12 | Oct. 4 - Oct. 19 |
| Oct. 11 - Dec. 2 | Oct. 18 - Dec. 9 | Oct. 25 - Dec. 16 | |
| Dec. 13 - Jan. 10 | Dec. 20 - Jan. 17 | Dec. 27 - Jan. 24 |
| Statewide Seasons | Dates |
|---|---|
| Special September Teal | Sep. 6 - 14 |
| Doves | Sep. 1 - Nov. 29 |
| Snipe | Sep. 6 - Nov. 30 |
| Rail | Sep. 6 - Nov. 14 |
| Woodcock | Oct. 4 - Nov. 17 |
- Metropolitan Canada Goose Hunting Season* (in specified areas): Sep. 13 - 21
- Light Goose Conservation Order*: Jan. 25 - May 1, 2026
*Additional regulations apply.
We work hard to keep our calendars current, but always refer to the Iowa Hunting, Trapping, & Migratory Game Bird Regulations for official, legal season dates.
List items for Calendar - Iowa Hunting Seasons, Small Game
| Small Game & Upland Seasons | Season Dates |
|---|---|
| Rooster Pheasant (Youth) | Oct 18 - 19, 2025 |
| Rooster Pheasant | Oct 25 - Jan 10, 2026 |
| Bobwhite Quail | Oct 25 - Jan 31, 2026 |
| Gray Partridge | Oct 11 - Jan 31, 2026 |
| Ruffed Grouse | Oct 4 - Jan 31, 2026 |
| Rabbit (Cottontail) | Aug 30 - Feb 28, 2026 |
| Rabbit (Jack) | CLOSED |
| Squirrel (Fox and Gray) | Aug 30 - Jan 31, 2026 |
| Groundhog | Continuous Open Season |
| Crow | Oct 15 - Nov 30, 2025 and Jan 14 - March 31, 2026 |
| Pigeon | Continuous Open Season |
| Coyote | Continuous Open Season |
We work hard to keep our calendars current, but always refer to the Iowa Hunting, Trapping, & Migratory Game Bird Regulations for official, legal season dates.
List items for Calendar - Iowa Hunting Seasons, Trapping
| Trapping Season | Dates |
|---|---|
| General Trapping | Nov. 1-Feb. 28, 2026 |
| Beaver | Nov. 1-April 15, 2026 |
We work hard to keep our calendars current, but always refer to the Iowa Hunting, Trapping, & Migratory Game Bird Regulations for official, legal season dates.
List items for Calendar - Iowa Hunting Seasons, Turkey
| Turkey Seasons | Dates |
|---|---|
| Fall, Gun-Bow | Oct. 13-Dec. 5 |
| Fall, Archery | Oct. 1-Dec. 5 |
| Fall, Archery | Dec. 22-Jan. 10, 2026 |
| Spring Youth | April 10-12, 2026 |
| Spring Gun-Bow Season 1 | April 13-16, 2026 |
| Spring Gun-Bow Season 2 | April 17-21, 2026 |
| Spring Gun-Bow Season 3 | April 22-28, 2026 |
| Spring Gun-Bow Season 4 | April 29-May 17, 2026 |
| Spring Archery Only | Apr. 13-May 17, 2026 |
We work hard to keep our calendars current, but always refer to the Iowa Hunting, Trapping, & Migratory Game Bird Regulations for official, legal season dates.