Regulations change. Always confirm with the official state fish and wildlife agency before you hunt or fish. This site is an unofficial index, not legal advice. Each fact shows its source and the date we last read it.
Iowa: 2026-27 deer seasons and official links
Run by: Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Below are the deer season dates we could read on official pages (regulation year 2026-27). This state is newly added and coverage is partial.
Deer seasons
| Season type | Zone / unit | Dates (inclusive) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 to Oct 4, 2026 | |
| Disabled hunter | Statewide | Sep 19, 2026 to Oct 4, 2026 | |
| Archery, early split | Statewide | Oct 1, 2026 to Dec 4, 2026 | |
| Early muzzleloader | Statewide | Oct 17, 2026 to Oct 25, 2026 | |
| Shotgun 1 (regular gun 1) | Statewide | Dec 5, 2026 to Dec 9, 2026 | |
| Shotgun 2 (regular gun 2) | Statewide | Dec 12, 2026 to Dec 20, 2026 | |
| Archery, late split | Statewide | Dec 21, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027 | |
| Late muzzleloader | Statewide | Dec 21, 2026 to Jan 10, 2027 | |
| Nonresident holiday | Statewide | Dec 24, 2026 to Jan 2, 2027 | Nonresident season. |
| Population management January antlerless | Statewide | Jan 11, 2027 to Jan 24, 2027 | Antlerless only; see the DNR regulations for where it applies. |
| Excess tag January antlerless | Statewide | Jan 11, 2027 to Jan 24, 2027 | Antlerless only; see the DNR regulations for where it applies. |
Source: Iowa DNR: Iowa hunting seasons (2026/27 deer hunting seasons). Last verified Oct 19, 2026. Dates can vary by zone, unit or land type; check the official page for your location.
Selected resident license fees
Not yet researched for this state (see the list below).
Good to know
- Deer licenses are available from the sales date (Aug 15) through the end of the season, or until the quota fills.
Source: Iowa DNR: Iowa hunting seasons. Last verified Oct 19, 2026. - A current hunting license and habitat fee is also required to hunt deer.
Source: Iowa DNR: Deer hunting. Last verified Oct 19, 2026. - Annual licenses, stamps and fees expire on January 10; replace them if you hunt later in January.
Source: Iowa DNR: Iowa hunting seasons. Last verified Oct 19, 2026. - Shooting hours for all deer seasons: half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
Source: Iowa DNR: Deer hunting. Last verified Oct 19, 2026.
Not yet researched
Resident license fees (the DNR fee web page and the 2026-27 regulations booklet show different amounts, so none are listed until that is resolved), deer population management zone hunts, county quotas, nonresident licenses, turkey, upland and waterfowl seasons, fishing.