Learn to Hunt

Let's Go Hunting

Ready to unplug and connect with nature? Iowa has amazing hunting opportunities, abundant species and access to public land, so let's get started!

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Online Hunting Videos & Information

• Learn to Hunt Iowa - Online Video Series

Dove Hunting

• September 1, 2023 - November 29, 2023
• Bag Limit - 15 Daily
• Hunting Hours - 1/2 Hour Before Sunrise to Sunset

Rabbit & Squirrel Hunting

Cottontail Rabbits

• September 2, 2023 - Feb 28, 2024
• Bag Limit - 10 Daily, 20 Possession
• Hunting Hours - Sunrise - Sunset

Fox & Gray Squirrel

• September 2, 2023 - January 31, 2024
• Bag Limit -6 daily, 12 possession
• Hunting Hours-No Restrictions

Upland Hunting

Rooster Pheasant Season Dates

• October 28, 2023 - January 10, 2024
• Bag Limit - 3 daily, 12 possession
• Hunting Hours - 8am - 4:30pm

Turkey Hunting

• Multiple Seasons from April 5 - May 12, 2024
• Bag Limit - One bearded or male wild turkey for each valid license and transportation tag issued to the hunter.
• Hunting Regulations
• Hunting Hours - Half-hour before sunrise to sunset.

Waterfowl Hunting

• Multiple Seasons from September 1, 2023 - January 27, 2024
• Bag Limit - varies by species and season
• Hunting Regulations
• Hunting Hours - 1/2 Hour before Sunrise to Sunset except Woodcock and September Teal season - Sunrise to Sunset

Buy Your License

A hunting license is your ticket to get outdoors, make memories and refresh. In Iowa, you can purchase a resident or a non-resident license. Essentially, if your driver's license shows that you have lived in Iowa for more than 90 days, you are eligible to buy a resident hunting license, which is at a reduced rate than those that do not live in Iowa.

A hunting license is required to hunt game in the state of Iowa. Most residents aged 16 to 64 are also required to pay a Wildlife Habitat Fee. This fee is used across the state of Iowa for habitat development. Resident hunters can purchase the Hunting/Habitat Fee Combo for $35 or the Outdoor Combo license which includes your fishing license, hunting license as well as the habitat fee for $55. With the purchase of either of these licenses, you can hunt squirrel, rabbit, pheasant, and grouse.

Ducks, geese, and doves are all migratory birds. To maintain sustainable populations, migratory birds are managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. All hunters must register for Harvest Information Program or HIP. This allows biologists to determine how many people were hunting a particular species and how many birds were harvested during the year. To hunt ducks and geese, you must purchase a Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) and an Iowa Migratory Game Bird fee. All of these can be purchased online at GoOutdoors Iowa.

Resident Hunting License Options

• Resident Hunting & Habitat Fee - $35
• Outdoor Combo License - $55
• Apprentice Hunting License - $35

Apprentice Hunting License

Looking to go hunting with another licensed adult mentor? The apprentice hunting 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. Learn more about Apprentice Hunting Licenses.

Where to Hunt

The Iowa DNR created a hunting atlas for you to view public hunting locations across the state. This interactive map 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 Iowa, totaling over 721,806 acres. 

Learn more about where to hunt in Iowa.