Iowa
During the Iowa Muzzleloader Hunting Season, flintlock or percussion cap muzzleloading rifles or muskets between .44 and .775 caliber shooting single projectiles; muzzleloading pistols .44 caliber or larger with a minimum barrel length of 4 inches and no shoulder stock or long barrel modifications. Muzzleloaders equipped with electronic ignition are not allowed. There are no restrictions on in-line or disk-type muzzleloaders. Riflescopes may also be used.
Iowa Muzzleloader Hunting Season 2024-2025
| 2024 Seasons | Season Dates | License On-Sale Dates |
| Youth(5) | Sept. 21-Oct. 6 | Aug. 15 – End of Season |
| Disabled Hunter(1) | Sept. 21-Oct. 6 | Aug. 15 – End of Season |
| Archery-Early Split(6) | Oct. 1-Dec. 6 | Aug. 15 – End of Season |
| Archery-Late Split(6) | Dec. 23 – Jan. 10, 2025 | Aug. 15 – End of Season |
| Early Muzzleloader(2,5) | Oct. 12-20 | Aug. 15 – End of Season |
| Late Muzzleloader | Dec. 23 – Jan. 10, 2025 | Aug. 15 – End of Season |
| Shotgun 1 | Dec. 7-11 Aug. 15 | Aug. 15 – End of Season |
| Shotgun 2 | Dec. 14-22 | Aug. 15 – End of Season |
| Nonresident Holiday(3,4) | Dec. 24 – Jan. 2, 2025 | Dec. 15 – End of Season |
| Population Mgmt January Antlerless(7) | Jan. 11 – 19, 2025 | Dec. 15 – End of Season |
| Excess Tag January Antlerless(7) | Jan. 11 – 19, 2025 | Jan. 11 – End of Season |
(1)Requires permit to acquire from DNR. See p. 41. (2) Purchase until quota (7,500) is reached. (3) Purchase until nonresident antlerless quota is reached. (4) Nonresident deer zone maps are available online at www.iowadnr.gov/nonresidenthunting. (5) Residents only, see p. 41 for details. (6) Includes senior antlerless-only licenses, see p. 41 for details. (7) In participating counties only, if antlerless licenses remain.
Iowa Hunting Regulations
Shooting hours for all deer seasons are half-hour before sunrise to half-hour after sunset.
The popular Iowa Muzzleloader Hunting Season is an opportunity for hunters to pursue deer using muzzle loading rifles or pistols. Muzzleloader hunters should remember that well camouflaged bowhunters and others who enjoy the fall countryside will be sharing the woods with them. Hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset and muzzleloader hunters are required to wear blaze orange during the Iowa Muzzleloader Hunting Season.
All deer taken must be reported using the harvest reporting system by midnight the day after the deer is recovered. Accurately reporting your kill is an important part of the deer management program in Iowa, playing a vital role in managing deer populations and future hunting opportunities. Hunters can report their deer online, by calling 1-800-771-4692 or at any license vendor. For hunters with Internet access, the online reporting of your harvest is the easiest way to register your deer.
This information is subject to change, for more information visit the IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Additional Links
HUNTING REGULATIONS AND SEASON DATES2024-2025 HUNTING SEASON AND LIMITS
HUNTING LICENSES AND LAWS
Buy a muzzleloader in Iowa online!