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Iowa Hunting Seasons & Prices

2026 big-game season dates and license/tag prices.

Iowa offers 2026 hunting seasons for whitetail across firearm, archery, and muzzleloader methods. Seasons run from September 19, 2026 through January 10, 2027. A nonresident deer license (any-sex + antlerless tag combo, limited draw) costs $498.

Planning reference only — always confirm dates and prices with the state wildlife agency before applying, buying a license, or hunting.

Season dates

Whitetail

SeasonMethodOpensClosesNotesTrack
Youth / DisabledFirearmSep 19, 2026Oct 4, 2026🔔
Archery (early)ArcheryOct 1, 2026Dec 4, 2026🔔
Early MuzzleloaderMuzzleloaderOct 17, 2026Oct 25, 2026🔔
Shotgun 1FirearmDec 5, 2026Dec 9, 2026🔔
Shotgun 2FirearmDec 12, 2026Dec 20, 2026🔔
Archery (late)ArcheryDec 21, 2026Jan 10, 2027🔔
Late MuzzleloaderMuzzleloaderDec 21, 2026Jan 10, 2027🔔

License & tag prices

LicenseResidentNonresidentNotes
Nonresident Deer License (any-sex + antlerless tag combo, limited draw)—$498
Nonresident Hunting License—$131
Nonresident Habitat Fee—$15

Nonresident deer tags are a limited draw (apply May–June) and expensive; resident deer licenses are sold over-the-counter at much lower cost.

Source: Iowa DNR hunting licenses & fees (iowadnr.gov)

Iowa hunt units

Explore harvest history, success rates, and draw odds by unit.

Adair TurkeyAdams TurkeyAllamakee TurkeyAppanoose TurkeyAudubon TurkeyBenton TurkeyBlack Hawk TurkeyBoone TurkeyBremer TurkeyBuchanan TurkeyBuena Vista TurkeyButler Turkey
Browse all Iowa harvest data →

Iowa hunting FAQ

When does whitetail season open in Iowa in 2026?
Iowa's 2026 whitetail firearm season opens September 19 and runs through October 4. Always confirm exact dates with the state wildlife agency before hunting.
What big-game species can you hunt in Iowa?
In 2026, Iowa has hunting seasons for whitetail.
How much is a Iowa hunting license for nonresidents?
A nonresident deer license (any-sex + antlerless tag combo, limited draw) in Iowa is $498 for nonresidents.