Hunting Bag Limits
What Are the Bag Limits in Iowa?
Planning to hunt whitetail deer, turkey, or pheasants this year? To stay within the law and hunt responsibly, it’s essential to know the bag limits for each species you plan to pursue during Iowa’s hunting seasons.
Bag limits are set by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to help manage wildlife populations and ensure sustainable hunting for years to come.
Below is an overview of the current bag limits — but be sure to check the official Iowa DNR website for the most up-to-date information before you head out.
| Species | Limits |
|---|---|
| Deer | Based on quotas |
| Turkey | 1 bearded or male for each license |
| September Teal | 6 per day (3x daily in possession) |
| Duck | 6 per day (3x daily in possession) |
| Merganser | 5 per day (3x daily in possession) |
| Coot | 15 per day (3x daily in possession) |
| Dark Geese | 5 per day (no more than 2 Canada Geese in the first segment, no more than 3 Canada Geese starting with the second season and on), (3x daily in possession) |
| Light Geese | 20 per day (no possession limit) |
| Dove | 15 per day (3x daily in possession) |
| Snipe | 8 per day (3x daily in possession) |
| Rail | 12 per day (3x daily in possession) |
| Woodcock | 3 per day (3x daily in possession) |
| Pheasant | 1 per day (2 in possession, Youth) 3 per day (12 in possession, Rooster) |
| Quail | 8 per day (16 in possession) |
| Partridge | 8 per day (16 in possession) |
| Ruffed Grouse | 3 per day (6 in possession) |
| Rabbit (Cottontail) | 10 per day (20 in possession) |
| Squirrel | 6 per day (12 in possession) |
| Groundhog | No limits |
| Crow | No limits |
| Pigeon | No limits |
| Coyote | No limits |
