Fall hunting in Iowa is underway tomorrow (Thursday) with the dove and teal seasons’ opening day. Dove season runs through Nov. 29 and has grown in popularity in recent years. According to Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Upland Wildlife Research Biologist Todd Bogenschutz, this year’s harvest should be plentiful based on conditions. Cooler-than-normal daytime temperatures and above-average nighttime lows should lead to a busy opening day for hunters. Shooting hours for the dove season run from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset with a daily bag limit of 15 and possession limit of 30. Iowa’s 16-day teal-only season also opens tomorrow (Thursday). DNR State Wildlife Biologist Orrin Jones is expecting a good season thanks to favorable breeding conditions in North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and Canada, which should lead to good migration. However, Jones reminds hunters this season is limited to teal only, saying, “Hunters need to take that into account when planning their hunt. Keep the sun at your back—it’s much more difficult to identify ducks when looking into the sun.” DNR staff reminds hunters to double-check their licenses and stamps are current and to register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) using the DNR’s Go Outdoors Iowa app or at https://www.iowadnr.gov.
