When is Shotgun Season in Iowa?

ByBuffalo Rifles Blog

When Is Shotgun Season in Iowa?

Iowa’s shotgun season is a time-honored tradition for many hunters. It’s a chance to get out in the woods and enjoy the great outdoors, while also trying to bag a few birds. But when exactly is shotgun season in Iowa? And what do you need to know to participate?

In this article, we’ll answer those questions and provide you with everything you need to know to have a successful shotgun season in Iowa. So whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a novice, read on for all the information you need to get started.

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Date Game Regulations
September 25 – October 31 Ducks, geese, and mergansers Shotgun season for ducks, geese, and mergansers opens on September 25 and runs through October 31. Hunters are allowed to take one duck per day, with a possession limit of three ducks. Geese and mergansers have no daily bag limit, but hunters are limited to a possession limit of five geese and three mergansers.
November 5 – December 11 Pheasants, quail, and rabbits Shotgun season for pheasants, quail, and rabbits opens on November 5 and runs through December 11. Hunters are allowed to take two pheasants per day, with a possession limit of six pheasants. Quail and rabbits have no daily bag limit, but hunters are limited to a possession limit of ten quail and ten rabbits.

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Shotgun season is a popular time for hunters in Iowa, as it offers the opportunity to harvest a variety of waterfowl species. The season is divided into several different periods, each with its own set of regulations.

In this article, we will discuss the shotgun season dates in Iowa, as well as the different zones that are used for hunting. We will also provide information on waterfowl hunting regulations.

Shotgun Season Dates in Iowa

The general shotgun season for waterfowl in Iowa runs from September 25 through January 31. However, there are also early and late teal seasons, as well as a youth shotgun season.

  • Early teal season: The early teal season runs from September 1 through September 15.
  • Late teal season: The late teal season runs from October 1 through October 15.
  • Youth shotgun season: The youth shotgun season runs from September 25 through October 9.

Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

In addition to the shotgun season dates, there are a number of other regulations that hunters must follow. These regulations include:

  • Bag limits: The daily bag limit for ducks is six, and the possession limit is 18. The daily bag limit for geese is three, and the possession limit is nine.
  • Shooting hours: The shooting hours for waterfowl are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
  • Permitted shotguns: Only shotguns with a barrel length of 26 inches or longer are permitted for waterfowl hunting.
  • Ammunition restrictions: Only lead shot is permitted for waterfowl hunting.

Shotgun Zones in Iowa

Iowa is divided into five different shotgun zones for waterfowl hunting. These zones are based on the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) flyways.

  • North Zone: The North Zone includes the northernmost counties in Iowa.
  • South Zone: The South Zone includes the southernmost counties in Iowa.
  • Central Zone: The Central Zone includes the counties in the center of Iowa.
  • Mississippi River Zone: The Mississippi River Zone includes the counties along the Mississippi River.
  • Lake Erie Zone: The Lake Erie Zone includes the counties along the shores of Lake Erie.

The shotgun season is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and harvest a variety of waterfowl species. By following the regulations, you can ensure that you have a safe and successful hunting experience.

Additional Resources

  • [Iowa Department of Natural Resources: Waterfowl Hunting](https://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/Waterfowl)
  • [North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP)](https://www.fws.gov/birds/management/nawmp/)

When Is Shotgun Season In Iowa?

Shotgun season in Iowa typically runs from September through January, depending on the species of game being hunted. The specific dates for each season can be found on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website.

Shotgun Harvest Limits in Iowa

The daily bag limits and possession limits for shotguns vary depending on the species of game being hunted. The following is a general overview of the harvest limits for some of the most popular game species in Iowa:

  • Ducks: The daily bag limit for ducks is six, with a possession limit of 18.
  • Geese: The daily bag limit for geese is five, with a possession limit of 15.
  • Pheasants: The daily bag limit for pheasants is three, with a possession limit of nine.
  • Quail: The daily bag limit for quail is ten, with a possession limit of 20.

Shotgun Hunting Safety Tips

When hunting with a shotgun, it is important to practice safe shooting habits to avoid accidents. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe:

  • Wear blaze orange clothing: Blaze orange clothing is a must-have for all hunters, as it helps other hunters to see you in the field.
  • Be aware of your surroundings: Always be aware of where your fellow hunters are located, and be careful not to shoot in their direction.
  • Treat all firearms as if they are loaded: Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot.
  • Know the rules and regulations: Be sure to familiarize yourself with the hunting laws and regulations in Iowa before you head out into the field.
  • Practice safe shooting habits: Always keep your firearm unloaded until you are ready to shoot, and follow all of the safety instructions that came with your firearm.

Shotgun season in Iowa is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. By following these safety tips, you can help to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable hunting experience.

Additional Resources

  • [Iowa Department of Natural Resources](https://www.iowadnr.gov/)
  • [National Rifle Association](https://www.nra.org/)
  • [National Shooting Sports Foundation](https://www.nssf.org/)

    When is shotgun season in Iowa?

Shotgun season for small game in Iowa begins on November 27th and ends on January 3rd. The season for waterfowl begins on November 15th and ends on January 31st.

What are the bag limits for small game?

The bag limit for rabbits is 10 per day and 20 per season. The bag limit for squirrels is 15 per day and 45 per season. The bag limit for mourning doves is 15 per day and 30 per season.

What are the requirements for hunting with a shotgun in Iowa?

All hunters in Iowa must have a valid hunting license. Hunters born after January 1, 1973 must also have completed a hunter education course. Shotguns must be registered with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

What are the safety rules for hunting with a shotgun in Iowa?

Hunters must be aware of their surroundings and be sure that they have a clear shot before firing. Hunters must also wear hunter orange clothing to make themselves visible to other hunters.

Where can I find more information about hunting in Iowa?

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources website has a wealth of information about hunting in Iowa. You can find information on seasons, bag limits, licenses, and safety rules. You can also find a list of hunting clubs and organizations in Iowa.

shotgun season in Iowa is a time-honored tradition that allows hunters to enjoy the outdoors and harvest game. It is important to be aware of the dates and regulations for shotgun season in Iowa, so that you can safely and legally participate. By following these tips, you can have a successful and enjoyable shotgun season in Iowa.

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