Iowa Migratory Game Bird 2013 Hunting Seasons Approved

   08.14.13

Iowa Migratory Game Bird 2013 Hunting Seasons Approved

The Natural Resource Commission of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources approved the 2013-14 migratory game bird hunting seasons during its Aug. 8 meeting.

Changes include:

  • A new waterfowl refuge at Union Hills Wildlife Management Area, in Cerro Gordo County. The posted refuge is all Union Hills WMA property west of the former county road (Dogwood Ave.).
  • The possession limit for ducks and geese is now three times the daily bag limit.
  • The daily bag limit for scaup is three.
  • The daily bag limit for canvasbacks is two.
  • The season on pigeons has been removed. It is now a continuous open season.
  • There is no bag limit for light geese during the Conservation Order.

Season Dates, Zones

Ducks, Mergansers & Coots:
North Zone – Sept. 21-25 & Oct. 12-Dec. 5
South Zone – Sept. 21-25 & Oct. 19-Dec. 12
Missouri River Zone – Sept. 21-25 & Oct. 26-Dec. 19
& Coots
Youth-only:
North Zone – Oct. 5-6
South Zone – Oct. 12-13
Missouri River Zone – Oct. 19-20

Canada Geese & Brant:
North Zone – Sept. 28-Jan. 3
South Zone – Oct. 5-Jan. 10
Missouri River Zone – Oct. 12-Jan. 17

White-fronted Geese:
North Zone – Sept. 28-Dec. 10
South Zone – Oct. 5-Dec. 17
Missouri River Zone – Oct. 12-Dec. 24

Light Geese (white and blue phase snow geese, and Ross’ geese):
North Zone – Sept. 28-Jan. 12
South Zone – Oct. 5-Jan. 17
Missouri River Zone – Oct. 12-Jan. 17

Statewide Seasons

  • Doves: Sept. 1-Nov. 9
  • Snipe: Sept. 7-Nov. 30
  • Rails (Sora and Virginia): Sept. 7-Nov. 9
  • Woodcock: Oct. 5-Nov. 18
  • Light Goose Conservation Order: Jan. 18-April 15
  • (white and blue phase snow geese, and Ross’ geese) Additional regulations apply

Information on bag limits, zones and more hunting rules, go to http://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/MigratoryGameBirds.aspx

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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for conserving and enhancing Iowa’s natural resources. The DNR manages fish and wildlife programs, ensures the health of Iowa’s forests and prairies, and provides recreational opportunities in Iowa’s state parks. Just as importantly, the DNR carries out state and federal laws that protect air, land and water through technical assistance, permitting and compliance programs. The DNR also encourages the enjoyment and stewardship of natural resources among Iowans through outreach and education.

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