Learn to Hunt

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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Learn to Hunt Iowa
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Hunter Education

Iowa law requires that anyone born after January 1, 1972 must be certified in hunter education before they are eligible to purchase an Iowa hunting license. Iowa recognizes hunter education certificates issued by another state and some foreign nations.

There are three ways to complete hunter education. The first option is to take a traditional course. These in-person classes are typically taught March 1 - November 15 each year by volunteer instructors. The in-person classes are often 8-10 hours of instruction and demonstration focused on safe firearm use, hunter ethics, game identification, and conservation management, followed by a multiple choice test.

The second option is a hybrid format. This option is traditionally attended by persons under 18 or individuals with busy schedules. The student completes all course work online at www.hunter-ed.com/iowa. When the online work is completed, the student will print off a voucher and then attend a 4 hour in-person field day. During the field day, students recap their learning, have hands-on instruction, learn about Iowa laws and complete a multiple choice test. To find upcoming field day classes, visit gooutdoorsiowa.com

The third option is completed 100% online. This options is designed for persons over the age of 18. Students register and pay for the course at www.hunter-ed.com/iowa.

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.

Apprentice Hunting License Info

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.

Iowa DNR Hunting Atlas

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. The hunting atlas also gives basic information about those areas such as: acres, general habitat description, expected species and links to more information and maps, if available. It will also tell a user what hunting zones any area of the state falls into. Check it out to help you plan your next hunt!

Iowa Habitat and Access Program
The Iowa Habitat and Access Program (IHAP) has grown to nearly 32,000 acres, significantly increasing the amount of land available to hunters in Iowa. These opportunities are thanks to landowners who participate in the IHAP program. Landowners receive funding and expertise for habitat improvements when they enroll in the program, and in turn allow public access to their land for hunting.

Iowa DNR Wildlife Management Areas
Public hunting and wildlife management area maps for additional hunting areas.

Iowa DNR Shooting Ranges
The Iowa DNR offers several public shooting ranges across the state which offer hunters a place to practice shooting safely and conveniently.