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Hunting - Migratory Game Birds
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Goose Hunting in Iowa

Waterfowl hunters in Iowa have the opportunity to harvest several different species of geese. Canada geese are the species most commonly harvested. Several sub-populations of Canada geese are harvested in Iowa including: temperate nesting (giant), interior Canada geese, and occasionally cackling geese. Iowa hunters may occasionally harvest greater white-fronted geese (speckle bellies) and lesser snow geese or Ross geese. Iowa’s goose hunting seasons begin with a Metropolitan Canada Goose season, followed by the Dark Goose and Light Goose seasons and lastly the Light Goose Conservation Order.

Metropolitan Canada Goose Hunting Season

The metropolitan Canada goose hunting season is designed to target Canada geese in specified areas surrounding Iowa’s three largest metropolitan areas. The season begins the second Saturday in September and runs for nine consecutive days in specified areas (see below). The daily bag limit is 5.

Dark Goose Hunting Season

The dark goose hunting season allows the harvest of Canada geese, greater white-fronted geese and brant. The vast majority of Iowa’s goose harvest occurs during this season which is split up into three segments in each of Iowa’s three waterfowl hunting zones. The daily bag limit is 5 dark geese in aggregate and may include no more than 2 Canada geese during the first segment and no more than 3 Canada geese during the second segment of the season. 

There are nine areas where the Canada goose hunting season is closed. This is to encourage goose use of these areas.

Light Goose Hunting Season

The light goose conservation order allows the harvest of snow geese (white and blue-phase) and Ross’ geese. The season dates are concurrent with the dark goose seasons in each of the three waterfowl hunting zones. The daily bag limit is 20.

Light Goose Conservation Order

The Light Goose Conservation Order is a population management action authorized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Only light geese (white and blue phase snow geese and Ross’s geese) may be taken. The conservation order allows for expanded hunting opportunities,, shooting hours close one-half hour after sunset, the use of electronic calls is permitted and the use of unplugged shotguns. The light goose conservation order begins the day after the dark goose and light goose seasons close and runs until May 1. There is no daily bag or possession limit.

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Migratory Game Bird Season Dates

List items for Calendar - Iowa Hunting Seasons, Migratory Game Bird

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Geese FAQs

List items for Geese FAQs

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Urban Goose Meeting, Feb 2021

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Iowa's Hunting Regulations

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Federal Duck Stamp

Federal Duck Stamp

Iowa migratory bird hunters can buy their Federal Duck Stamp in the form of an E-Stamp through all Iowa license vendors and through the Go Outdoors Iowa online portal.

The E-Stamp is now valid for the entire hunting season. The physical stamp will be mailed to the address on file March 10 - June 30. Hunters are responsible to make sure their address on file is current.

Questions? Visit the US Fish & Wildlife Service website.

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Harvest Information Program (HIP)

Harvest Information Program (HIP)

Hunters who plan to pursue migratory game birds are required to register annually for Harvest Information Program (HIP). Migratory game birds mean more than ducks and geese; it includes ducks, geese, coots, doves, woodcock, rails, and snipe.

Once registered, hunters will need to write their confirmation number on the line provided at the top of their hunting license as proof of registration. 

Need help? Check out our HIP Guide for Mobile Devices and our HIP Guide via Website submission. 

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