Anticipating Iowa turkey season can be a unique excitement. As we get closer to Spring, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts must be excited about the upcoming busy Spring turkey hunting.
Iowa provides a thrilling turkey hunting adventure unlike any other. Join us and jump to the 2025 turkey season schedules. We will provide all information clearly to you and help you prepare for a successful hunt.
When Is Iowa Turkey Season In 2025?
2025 Fall Turkey Seasons
| Seasons | Dates | Shooting Hours | Bag Limits |
| Gun/Bow | Oct. 13-Dec. 5， 2025 | Half-hour before sunrise to sunset | One turkey of either sex, and 2 in total |
| Archery Only | Oct. 1 – Dec. 5 & Dec. 22 – Jan. 10, 2026 | Half-hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset |
2026 Spring Turkey Seasons
| Seasons | Season Dates | Shooting Hours | Bag Limits |
| Youth season (residents only) | Apr 10 – 12, 2026 | Half an hour before sunrise to sunset | One bearded or male turkey |
| Gun-Bow Season 1 | Apr 13 – 16, 2026 | ||
| Gun-Bow Season 2 | Apr 17 – 21, 2026 | ||
| Gun-Bow Season 3 | Apr 22 – 28, 2026 | ||
| Gun-Bow Season 4 | Apr 29 – May 17, 2026 | ||
| Resident archery-only | Apr 14 – May 17, 2026 |
🔔Notes:
- Residents can buy up to 2 hunting licenses for turkey hunts.
- Fall turkey seasons are only available to residents.
- For non-residents, hunters need to apply for Spring turkey hunting in Iowa. The application ended in January. If you miss the application, you can check the leftover licenses.
- Check out the sunrise/sunset time for any Iowa city here: Sunrise/Sunset Calculator.
Iowa Turkey Hunting Licenses
| Resident Licenses | Costs |
| Hunting Age 16 & Older | $22 |
| Habitat Fee (Age 16-64) | $15 |
| Hunting & Habitat Fee Combo | $35 |
| Hunting 3-Year with Habitat Fee | $101 |
| Apprentice(includes Hunting & Habitat) | $35 |
| Hunting, Fishing, Habitat Fee Combo | $55 |
| Resident Turkey Tags | $28.5 |
| Resident Landowner / Tenant Turkey | $1 |
| Lifetime Hunting | $61.5 |
| Non-Resident Licenses | Costs |
| Spring Turkey | $119 |
| Hunting 18 years & older | $131 |
| Hunting 16-17 years old | $32 |
| Habitat Fee | $15 |
| Hunting & Habitat Fee Combo 18 & Older | $144 |
🔔Notes:
- Nonresident Spring Licenses will be available for purchase starting on January 1, and Fall Licenses will be available on August 15.
- Nonresidents are not eligible for fall turkey hunting licenses.
How to Buy A Hunting License?
Residents can directly buy the license on the official licensing system or from any licensed agent.
Nonresident Spring Turkey hunting licenses can be obtained by applying through the DNR’s online license system. Just click on “Nonresident Deer and Turkey Tags” and follow the instructions. The licenses are issued by a random drawing.
Who Doesn’t Need a Hunting License?
The following people don’t need to have hunting licenses to hunt in Iowa:
- Residents and nonresidents who are under 16 years old.
- Residents who are 12-15 years old.
- Military personnel who qualify as resident of Iowa.
Iowa Turkey Hunting Regulations
✅Things you can do:
- No hunter orange is required for turkey hunting.
- Any hunting accidents must be reported to the local conservation officer.
- Hunters must carry and show their hunting license to any officer upon request.
- The game can be taken outside or into the state if hunters are able to prove that the game was legally killed and transported.
- It is allowed to use blinds or tree stands in game management areas.
- Every hunter who kills a turkey must submit a report using the DNR’s Harvest Reporting System.
- As long as the hunter has a valid wild turkey license with an unfilled transportation tag, dogs can be used to find, chase, and bring back wild turkeys in the Fall season.
- Longbows, recurve bows, and compound bows are permitted.
❌Things you cannot do:
- One or two-way mobile radio transmitters are prohibited for indicating the location or direction of game or furbearing animals, or for planning the movement of other hunters.
- Sights that emit a light beam, such as laser sights in hunting are prohibited.
- Portable blinds cannot be used from one hour after sunset until midnight each day.
- Motor vehicles in all game management areas are prohibited.
- Crossbows are prohibited.
- Live decoys, dogs, horses, radios, motorized vehicles, aircraft, bait, and recorded or electronically amplified turkey calls are prohibited.
To check the full regulations, visit and download this official file: Iowa Hunting Regulation Booklet.
Conclusion
Above is the necessary information for the Iowa Turkey Season that every hunter should know. We trust that you are motivated and prepared to start your own exciting hunting journey soon.
Before the season begins, make sure to acquaint yourself with the dates and rules, obtain your permits, honor the environment and wildlife, and grab your Kalkal hunting boots and gear for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience in the field.
Good luck with your hunting adventures!
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