Iowa is famous for great hunting. Each year Iowa hosts over 250,000 hunters and is home to 340 public hunting areas. Deer and pheasants are the most popular game, but there are many other species worth hunting in Iowa including squirrel, quail and partridge.
Iowa's hunting seasons vary based on species, hunter specifics and zones. Here are a few details.
Furbearer Hunting Seasons
- Coyote - Continuous open season
- Raccoon, Opossum and Fox - November through January
- Bobcats - November until quota fills
Small Game and Upland Hunting Seasons
- Rooster, Quail, Partridge, Grouse, Rabbit, Squirrel, Groundhog and Crow - Late Fall to early Winter depending on the species.
Deer Hunting Seasons - Depends on type of weapon and hunter status with Youth and Disabled hunters having different seasons. Generally in the Fall with some holiday dates.
Trapping Seasons - Typically November until quota fills
Wild Turkey - Depending on license types but typically October through early December. Also spring dates based on zone.
When hunting in Iowa be certain that you have the proper permit, are in the proper season and employ safe hunting techniques. It is also important to distinguish between private and public lands. Consider buying an Iowa ranch for sale and hunt from the comfort of your own property. Owning Iowa land is a great way to become more familiar with the seasonality and species unique to the area and thus improves your ability to hunt for the abundance game in Iowa.

