Hunting
Some of the best waterfowl hunting opportunities in central Iowa can be found in one of the waterfowl production areas (WPAs) in 17 counties that make up the Iowa WMD. This district covers almost one-third of the state, with 22,000 acres of huntable land, some of which can be heavily used by ducks in the fall, depending on weather conditions. Almost all of the WPAs have consistently excellent hunting for pheasant, although pheasant populations also vary due to weather. While the WPAs are typically not large (100 to 2,000 acres), they do hold deer, and local deer hunters know where to find them. These WPAs offer a variety of opportunities for local and visiting hunters, especially since Iowa ranks among states with the least amount of public land in the country. Click here for Hunting Regulations on the Iowa Wetland Management District.
Safety
Please dress appropriately for the season and wear layers. Check the weather forecast before your outing, as daily weather conditions can bring dramatic change. Warm weather also brings out the mosquitoes and ticks, so bring insect repellent. Prairies, by nature, offer little shade, so sunscreen is always a good idea.
Firearms
Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuge System lands must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32.)
Vehicles
Licensed motor vehicles are permitted only on public roads and field entrances. ATVs, UTVs and snowmobiles are prohibited.
Boats
Motorized watercraft and floating devices are permitted for hunting and fishing, boats may not be left unattended.
Hunting and Fishing Regulations
Hunting and fishing are permitted in accordance with Federal regulations governing public use on wetland management districts as set forth in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
- Migratory Game Hunting: We prohibit leaving boats, decoys, or other personal property unattended at any time. You must remove all personal property, which includes boats, decoys, and blinds, brought onto the district at the end of each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter). We allow the use of dogs while hunting, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times. We prohibit duck and goose hunting on the waterfowl refuge units. We also prohibit all hunting on the waterfowl refuge units during the State duck season. Hunters are required to use and possess only non-toxic shot.
- Big Game Hunting: You may leave tree stands in an area for a continuous period of time beginning 7 days prior to the open season for hunting deer and ending 7 days after the final day of that season. You must clearly mark the stand with your Iowa hunting license number
- Upland/Small Game Hunting: Hunters using shotguns, including turkey hunters, are required to use and possess only non-toxic shot.
- During the small game and migratory bird seasons, hunting dogs must be under the immediate control of the hunter.
- Fishing is in accordance with state species and limits. You must remove all ice fishing shelters and other personal property at the end of each day’s fishing.
- We prohibit all types of motorized vehicles on frozen water bodies.
Access
- Access to hunting waterfowl production units are year-round during State-regulated hunting hours, exceptions are in specific hunting activity sections.
- We prohibit entry into any closed area to retrieve downed game, unless the hunter or trapper has received written permission from the refuge manager.
Trapping
- Trapping is allowed in accordance with State regulations subject to above regulations and prohibited activities.
