Planning to hunt Iowa whitetail deer? Here's a complete overview to make the process of buying Iowa deer preference points a breeze
License/item |
Cost |
Preference point fee |
$60.50 |
Writing & Mailing fee |
$4.08 |
License/item | Cost |
Preference point fee | $60.50 |
Writing & Mailing fee | $4.08 |
Purchasing Iowa deer preference points for future hunts is a fairly straightforward process, but like most states, it can be a little confusing if you’ve never done it before. Below is a complete step-by-step walkthrough of how to easily purchase your preference points in Iowa.
Iowa uses a true preference point system for drawing tags. Higher point holders will receive a tag before someone below them. This makes the draw somewhat discouraging for those who are starting out, as the random factor is gone, but it makes it much easier to fit an Iowa hunt into your overall hunt plan with this point system.
Purchasing an Iowa deer preference point is a great strategy, as that point will be used in next year's deer lottery.
Applicants are limited to earning one bonus point per species per license year.
Iowa makes it really easy to purchase preference points. There are no hunt codes you need to remember, and there is no chance you can mess it up and accidentally apply for something.
NOTE: There is no separate points-only purchase period in Iowa. You must purchase your point during the main draw.
Again, if you're not applying in hopes of drawing a tag, you need to purchase your bonus points in Iowa by June 2, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. CT during the main draw.
Throughout GOHUNT Insider, we have research tools that will enable you to find the perfect hunt quickly and easily. Whether you’re looking for your first hunt or want to see the best way to use your points, Insider is your ticket to unlocking all hunting opportunities.
Each research tool on GOHUNT will allow you to find a hunting opportunity. Combining Draw Odds with Filtering, plus our Application Strategy articles and GOHUNT Maps, those tools are everything you need to gain an edge and become more successful.
Application strategy articles are your go-to source of information before you apply. Every year, we publish new application strategy articles for every state and species. These articles are packed with in-depth information with lots of data presented to showcase what's new in the state and how you can possibly best use your points to pick up a tag.
A GOHUNT membership makes it easy to find hunting opportunities by state, species, probability of draw odds success, and much more! Whether you have 0 points, max points, or any number of points, GOHUNT gives you the information you need to plan a successful hunt. In addition to our research tools, all Insiders have access to our GOHUNT mobile app where you can plan a hunt on GOHUNT Maps, as well as research tools on the app to help you find hunting opportunities. GOHUNT Maps is also available on the web. GOHUNT Insider is the only complete and total package set of tools to help you find the hunt you want this upcoming year or to help plan for hunts in the future.
If you're unfamiliar with GOHUNT, you can learn more about it below.
The steps required to purchase Iowa preference points are very straightforward, making Iowa one of the easiest states to purchase points in.
You can easily follow along on how to purchase bonus points by checking out the text and screenshots of the process below.
Navigate to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources licensing page. Log in or create an account here. Then click on "Nonresident Deer-Turkey Tags."
If you’ve applied before or once you’ve created an account, click the "Login" button in the middle of the screen. If you can’t remember your Iowa account information, you can go through the help logging-in link.
Then, you'll need to enter your date of birth, last name and the last four digits of your social security number.
Enter that information in and then click "Continue (Submit)."
After logging in, you'll land on your account page. Click on the "Purchase Hunting & Fishing Licenses - Nonresident Deer Preference Points" button to head to the section where you can purchase your Iowa deer preference points.
Now, in the middle of the page; you'll see the "NR Deer Preference Point" section. You'll want to add that nonresident preference point to your cart by clicking on "Add To Cart."
Once you have added items to your cart, click on your shopping cart in the upper right portion of the screen and then click "Checkout."
You can now review your Iowa nonresident deer preference point purchase. To help Iowa's wildlife, you can round up to the nearest $5 if desired. If everything looks good, click "Checkout Now."
Enter your credit card information and billing address, check the boxes below, and click "Pay Now (Submit)."
And that’s it! You'll receive a confirmation of your Iowa nonresident deer preference point order, and shortly after, you'll receive an email confirmation.
Between May 4 and June 2, 2024, by 11:59 p.m. CT
