If you’re looking for a challenging and exciting hunting experience, look no further than dove hunting in Iowa. Iowa is home to a large population of doves, making it a great place to hunt them. However, there are a few things you need to know before you head out into the field. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about dove hunting in Iowa. From the best times to hunt to what gear you’ll need, we’ve got you covered. So read on and start planning your next dove hunting adventure today.
Dove Hunting Laws in Iowa
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a few regulations in place for those who want to hunt doves in the state. The first is that all hunters must have a valid hunting license. The second regulation is that the DNR has set aside certain areas of the state as “dove hunting only” zones. These areas are typically open to hunting from September 1st through October 31st.
In addition to these regulations, the DNR also has a bag limit in place for dove hunters. The bag limit is 15 doves per day, with a possession limit of 45 doves. This means that if you hunted on Monday and Wednesday, and had 15 doves each day, you could still possess 30 doves on Friday as long as you hadn’t hunted Thursday or Friday.
As with any type of hunting, there are also certain firearms that are restricted from being used while dove hunting in Iowa. For example, it is illegal to use a shotgun that is capable of holding more than three shells in the chamber at one time. It is also illegal to use any kind of shotgun larger than 10 gauge while hunting doves in Iowa.
Related: Deer Hunting in Iowa
Do you need a license to hunt Dove in Iowa?
In the state of Iowa, anyone who wishes to hunt doves must have a valid hunting license. The cost of a dove hunting license is $19 for residents and $31 for non-residents. A resident is defined as someone who has lived in the state of Iowa for at least 30 days prior to applying for a license. A non-resident is defined as someone who does not meet the residency requirements.
Dove Hunting Seasons in Iowa
The mourning dove is the most popular game bird in the United States, and Iowa is no exception. Every year, thousands of Iowans take to the fields and wetlands in pursuit of these fast-flying birds.
There are two main hunting seasons for doves in Iowa: the early season and the late season. The early season runs from September 1st to October 15th, while the late season runs from December 16th to January 10th.
During the early season, hunters can expect to find doves feeding on agricultural crops such as corn and soybeans. As the season progresses and these crops are harvested, doves will begin to congregate around natural sources of food such as seed-bearing plants and trees.
The late season is typically when most hunters have the most success, as doves are more concentrated around these natural food sources. However, weather conditions can play a big role in how successful hunters will be during this time of year. If it’s been a particularly cold winter, doves may migrate south in search of warmer temperatures. This can make them more difficult to find but can also lead to some great hunting opportunities if you know where to look.
Can you hunt Dove at night in Iowa?
In Iowa, you can only hunt dove during the day. The legal hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Bag limits for hunting Dove in Iowa
The bag limit for hunting Dove in Iowa is 10 birds per day. A person may possess no more than 30 birds at any one time. The daily bag limit for mourning doves includes white-winged and Eurasian collared-doves. The shooting hours for doves are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. There is no closed season for hunting doves in Iowa.
Legal ways to hunt Dove in Iowa
There are a few things to keep in mind when planning to hunt Dove in Iowa. First, always check the local regulations to see what is allowed in your specific area. Secondly, make sure you have the appropriate licenses and permits before heading out. Lastly, be sure to use non-toxic shots when hunting around areas where there may be other people or animals present.
With those things in mind, here are some tips for hunting Dove in Iowa:
- The best time to hunt Dove is typically early morning or evening. This is when they are most active and feeding.
- Look for areas where there is open ground with some scattered trees or bushes. Doves like to feed on the ground and perch in trees or bushes.
- Use a small caliber rifle or shotgun loaded with non-toxic shots. Lead shot is toxic and can contaminate the environment and kill other animals if ingested.
- Be patient and wait for the right shot. Doves can be fast and elusive, so it takes practice to learn how to hit them on the fly.
- When using decoys, set them up in an open area away from cover. Doves are attracted to decoys that look like they are feeding on the ground.
Can you use dogs to hunt Doves in Iowa?
If you’re thinking about using a dog to help you hunt doves in Iowa, there are a few things you should know. First, it is legal to use dogs to hunt doves in Iowa. However, there are some regulations you need to be aware of. For example, you can only use certain types of dogs and you must train them properly.
When it comes to choosing a dog for dove hunting, retrievers and pointing breeds are typically the best options. This is because they have strong noses and can be trained to flush out birds and retrieve them once they’re down. If you’re going to use a retriever, keep in mind that they will need plenty of exercise before and after the hunt since they will be doing a lot of running.
As for training your dog, it’s important that they learn how to respond to commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” You also need to teach them not to chase live birds or pick up dead ones until you give them the okay. Start by working with your dog in small areas so they don’t get overwhelmed. Once they have mastered the basic commands, you can begin working with them in larger spaces.
If you follow these tips, using a dog to help hunt doves in Iowa can be a great way to improve your chances of success. Just make sure you choose the right breed of
Can you hunt Dove from a vehicle in Iowa?
In Iowa, you can only hunt dove from a vehicle if you are mobility-impaired. If you have a disability that limits your ability to walk, you can get a permit to hunt from a vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Dove hunting in Iowa can be a great experience if you take the time to do your research and plan ahead. There are a few things to keep in mind when dove hunting in Iowa, such as the best times of year to hunt, what type of equipment you need, and where to find the best hunting spots. By following these tips, you can make the most of your dove hunting trip in Iowa.
