Iowa has long been known as one of the top big deer producing states in the country. Excellent management is found in this state along with the potential for some giant bucks. Most of the hunting in this state will take place on private lands; however, there are public opportunities that exist. Some of the best farms will commonly be leased by large outfitters so keying in on smaller parcels as an individual seeking private permission may be needed. Hunting with an outfitter in this state can be an attractive idea — namely from the standpoint of getting good access to hunting grounds. However, outfitters are commonly booked up for several years at a time so it may be important to plan a hunt sooner, rather than later.

Note: The deadline to apply for Iowa deer is June 4, 2023. Applications can be submitted online via the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Online License & Registration site.

State Information

To learn more about some of the specifics when it comes to hunting in Iowa and participating in the draw as a nonresident be sure to check out this link.

Important dates and information

Iowa Deer Fees

When applying for Iowa there are a few things to keep in mind. The state requires all applicants to first purchase a hunting license and a habitat license in order to apply. There are also some fees associated with the application that will affect your refund. Additionally, applicants must front the cost of the deer license before the drawing, receiving a refund if unsuccessful. If unsuccessful, applicants are assessed a mandatory preference point fee that is nonrefundable.

The Iowa Deer Draw System

Iowa uses a very straightforward preference point system where licenses are only awarded to the highest point holders. This makes planning when your Iowa hunt will take place that much easier — not to mention coordinating with outfitters, if needed. Nonresidents receive their own quota of licenses and draw odds are generally fairly good — better than what we typically see in the West, anyways.

Group Applications

Iowa does allow applicants to apply for a party for deer. The maximum group application size is 15. All members of the group will be assigned the preference points of the member with the lowest total count of points. If you have six points and I have one and we apply together, then the group goes into the draw with one point.

Preference point only option

Applicants who do not wish to apply, but wish to build a point can do so during the same May 6 to June 4 time period.

Leftover licenses

Any deer licenses leftover from the main draw will be made available to purchase in a first come, first serve manner beginning July 29, 2023.

Iowa Deer Nonresident Draw Odds

As stated earlier, Iowa uses a true preference point system for drawing tags. Higher point holders will receive a tag before someone under them. This makes the draw somewhat discouraging for those who are starting out as the random factor of the draw is gone, but it makes it much easier to fit an Iowa hunt into your overall hunt plan with this point system.

As you may have noticed from above the odds of drawing a rifle tag are generally much better than the archery license counterparts. This is primarily due to Iowa’s restrictive gun laws where essentially only large caliber, slow-moving cartridges are legal.

Here is the legal definition of approved rifles for hunting season per the IDNR:

“Rifles firing straight wall or other centerfire ammunition propelling an expanding type bullet with a maximum diameter of no less than .350 of an inch and no larger than .500 of an inch and with a published or calculated muzzle energy of 500 foot pounds or higher is legal for hunting deer during the youth and disabled hunting season and first and second shotgun seasons.”

2023 Iowa Deer Season Dates

Below you will find a breakdown of the 2023 season dates for Iowa deer

Mandatory Harvest Reporting

Hunters who harvest a deer or wild turkey must report the harvest to the IDNR by midnight on the day after it is tagged, before taking it to a locker or taxidermist, before processing it for consumption or before transporting it out-of-state, whichever occurs first. The hunter whose name is on the transportation tag is responsible for making the report. If no animal is harvested, no report is necessary. Failure to report or reporting falsely may result in a misdemeanor citation and possible loss of hunting privileges.

Harvests can be reported by:

The harvest reporting system will issue a confirmation number to the hunter that must be written on the harvest report tag and attached to the leg of the animal. Failure to do so may result in a misdemeanor citation.

Trophy Potential in Iowa

Overall, trophy potential is exceptional in Iowa with the best odds for tagging a true giant of a buck generally found on private lands with management programs. Some great potential hunting is also on public lands and hunters could still have opportunities for exceptional bucks, but opportunities are obviously more limited.