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This is not a complete set of hunting and trapping laws but contains the information you are most likely to need to safely participate in these outdoor activities.
It’s so easy to buy your fishing or hunting license online, or visit local retailers and bait shops to buy your hunting or fishing licenses today.
Requirements for Hunting Licensed Hunting Preserves in Iowa
All hunters hunting licensed hunting preserves must obtain an Iowa small game hunting license and habitat fee, or obtain the hunting preserve hunting license valid only on licensed preserves, and the habitat fee. Resident Iowa youth under the age of 16 are not required to have a license, but must be accompanied by a licensed adult 18 years of age or older. Non-resident youth under the age of 16 are required to possess a non-resident youth preserve license and habitat fee. The non-resident youth under 16 years of age are not required to have completed a hunter safety/education course.
All preserve game birds and game animals harvested on the licensed preserve must be properly tagged with transportation/kill tags as required by law. Hunting preserve operators are responsible for tagging the harvested game bird or animal before it is transported from the licensed preserve.
Turn In Poachers Hotline
If you witness or hear of poaching activity call the TIP HOTLINE (800) 532-2020 or visit our TIP reporting site and report it immediately.
Motor Vehicle Use in Game Management Areas, Parks & Preserves
The DNR no longer requires a permit that allows for the use of a motor vehicle on game management areas, state parks or preserves. For persons who have a disability which makes it impossible to ambulate without the use of a motor vehicle, please work directly with DNR staff who are assigned to the game management area, state park or preserve.
DNR staff will work with individuals to develop an access plan for each desired area. Individuals must keep the access plan with them when using the area.
Back to topDog Trials
The Iowa DNR is required to authorize a club or individual to hold an organized dog trial (e.g. bird dog, retriever, coon dog, fox hound) within the state, regardless of whether the event is held on public or private ground.
At least 30 days before the scheduled date of the dog trial, an application must be filed with the DNR using the Iowa DNR Special Events web-based application.
For more information, contact your local conservation officer, wildlife management biologist, or call 641-357-3517.
Back to topAdditional Resources
- Wildlife Refuges [PDF]
- Chronic Wasting Disease, Hunter Guide [PDF]
- Areas Closed to Canada Goose Hunting
- Special September Canada Goose Seasons
Falconry Regulations, Chapter 102 (Iowa Administrative Code)
Back to topIowa's Occasional Wildlife Visitors
Populations of large mammals, once native to Iowa, have been gone from the Iowa landscape for 80 to 100 years. Learn more regarding wolves, bears, mountain lions and moose.
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