Pheasant, Dove, and other Small Game Hunting in Iowa

Under the wide skies of mid-western Iowa, farm fields stretch to the horizon—and so do ideal habitats for game birds

The state of Iowa has very little public land, but under its habitat access program (IHAP), Iowa offers more than 20,000 acres across 51 counties for public hunting. There are more than 700,000 acres open to public hunting across the entire state, including 375,000 acres managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Bureau. 

Iowa regulations require that anyone hunting small game wear blaze orange. This can be one article of clothing with 50 percent of its surface area covered in solid blaze orange. 

Download: 2024/25 Iowa Hunting Seasons and Regulations

2024-25 Iowa Bird Hunting and Small Game Seasons

Ring-Necked Pheasant

You will want to try your hand at ring-necked pheasant while hunting in Iowa. That is because the state is known for its pheasant hunting, especially in the northwest regions. Dickinson County is the place to go. Most of its 20 public areas have great pheasant hunting, but other places also promise strong pheasant populations, like the Iowa River corridor. 

The season dates are October 26, 2024 to January 10, 2025 with a daily bag limit of 3 roosters. The youth season occurs on October 19th and 20th.

Ruffed Grouse

Ruffed grouse call parts of Iowa home. One zone in Iowa that is dedicated to hunting ruffed grouse can be found in the northeast, although lack of ruffed grouse habitat continues to add to their decline. U.S. Highways 63, 20, and 151 and Iowa Highways 13 and 64 border and define the zone. The ruffed grouse season runs from October 5, 2024 to January 31, 2025 with a daily bag limit of 3 birds. Note that hunters must wear blaze orange when hunting ruffed grouse.

Bobwhite Quail 

Bobwhite quail populations declined sharply in Iowa over the last five decades, but thanks to successful habitat management over the past few years, the numbers appear to be on the mend. Farms with shrubby habitats and diverse crops are strongholds for the species. More broadly, southern counties on the Missouri state line provide your best chance for finding quail in Iowa. 

The bobwhite quail hunting season runs from October 26, 2024 to January 31, 2025 with a daily bag limit of 8 birds. 

Mourning Dove 

Mourning dove populations are strong in Iowa, in part because of many wildlife management areas designed to attract them with wheat, corn, and other food crops. You can find these migratory birds in a number of familiar environments in Iowa such as low-standing crop fields. CRP lands, as well as pastures and sunflower fields, are also good places to look for dove. While you are not required to pay the Iowa migratory game bird fee, you will need to register with HIP to go dove hunting. 

The season runs from September 1 to November 29, 2024 with a daily bag limit of 15 birds.

Other Species for Bird Hunting in Iowa

The gray (Hungarian) partridge was successfully introduced to various counties in Iowa starting in 1905. Releases continued over the years, with most successful plantings in northern Iowa. By 1940, the birds had gained a stronghold in northwest Iowa. The birds form coveys for protection and body heat conservation during fall and winter nights. The season dates are from October 12, 2024 to January 31, 2025 with a daily bag limit of 8.

Seasons for snipe and rail both open September 7, 2024 with daily bag limits of 8 and 12, respectively. There is a season for American woodcock that opens October 5 and ends November 18, 2024. The daily bag limit is 3. In addition to the normal HIP requirements, you will need to pay the Iowa migratory game bird fee of $10 to hunt American woodcock. 

Related Conservation and Non-Profit Organizations for Iowa Bird Hunting

Ruffed Grouse Society

Quail Forever

Pheasants Forever

North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA)

Iowa Hunting License Fees

The Iowa Hunter Safety Course

Anyone born after January 1, 1972, is required to complete an approved hunter education safety course before purchasing a hunting license for bird hunting in Iowa. After receiving a hunter education certificate, both residents and nonresidents will be eligible for a license. The course is $28.95 and can be completed online, or through classroom instruction. Both require a field day. 

Hunting Dog Training Regulations

Dog training for bird hunting in Iowa happens from July 16 to March 14. You will need to pay the habitat fee and possess a hunting license to train dogs on game birds. Additionally, you will need to band any birds used. During closed seasons, you can only use a pistol, revolver, or other gun shooting blank cartridges.

All organized field trials in Iowa must file for a permit at least 30 days before the event on both public and private grounds. You can file with the link: here.

The bird hunting season dates, game bird species available, and other information is subject to change. The article may not reflect this. Please visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for the most up-to-date information on bird hunting in Iowa.