Iowa Hunting Season Dates
Complete hunting calendar for Iowa including deer, elk, turkey, and more.
Iowa Hunting Season Calendar
Find all hunting season dates for Iowa including deer, elk, turkey, and waterfowl. Filter by species and hunting method.
Coming Up in Iowa
Seasons opening in the next 60 days
Apr 13 - May 16, 2026
Opens in 41 days
Complete Season Calendar
All Iowa hunting seasons organized by species
Deer 5 seasons
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Oct 1 - Dec 5, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | First archery season | |
| Archery | Dec 22, 2025 - Jan 10, 2026 | Statewide | Closed | Second archery season | |
| Shotgun | Dec 6-10, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | First shotgun | |
| Shotgun | Dec 13-21, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Second shotgun | |
| Muzzleloader | Oct 11-24, 2025 | Statewide | Closed | Early muzzleloader | |
Turkey 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Legal Method | Apr 13 - May 16, 2026 | Statewide | Upcoming | Spring season | |
Pheasant 1 season
| Method | Dates | Zone | Status | Notes | Add to Calendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Oct 26, 2025 - Jan 10, 2026 | Statewide | Closed | Resident season | |
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Iowa Hunting Regulations
License year, species, and agency information
- License Year
- Jan 1, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025
- Available Species
-
- Deer
- Pheasant
- Turkey
- Hunting Methods
-
- Archery
- Shotgun
- Muzzleloader
- Any Legal Method
- Wildlife Agency
- Iowa Department of Natural Resources
This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.
Last verified: January 2026
Important Note for Iowa
Iowa is known for trophy whitetails. Preference point system for nonresidents.
Hunting Method Legend
Iowa Hunting FAQ
Common questions about hunting seasons in Iowa
What are the hunting season dates for Iowa?
Iowa offers hunting seasons for Deer, Pheasant, Turkey. The license year runs from Jan 1, 2025 to Dec 31, 2025. Check our complete calendar above for specific dates by species and method.
When does deer season start in Iowa?
Deer season in Iowa typically begins with archery season starting Oct 1, 2025.
Does Iowa require a draw for hunting?
Iowa offers general season licenses for some species and may require draws for others like elk, moose, or pronghorn. Check specific requirements for your target species.
What hunting seasons are open now in Iowa?
The next season to open is Turkey starting Apr 13, 2026.
What should I know about hunting in Iowa?
Iowa is known for trophy whitetails. Preference point system for nonresidents.
Other States
Compare hunting seasons across states
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