Iowa’s spring turkey season opens April 14, following a record harvest of more than 16,000 birds in 2024 and favorable weather conditions that could benefit hunters and gobblers alike. A mild winter and timely spring rains have jump-started foliage growth, creating dense cover earlier than usual. Jim Coffey, forest wildlife research biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), says, “We are greening up ahead of schedule. For anyone hunting second season or later, it could be a jungle out there.” With strong turkey production in recent years, hunters can expect plenty of two-year-old jakes, which are known to respond readily to calls. Still, success remains elusive for many, with only about one in five hunters filling their tag. Coffey urges hunters to inspect gear before heading out and to be tick-aware. He also emphasized safety, noting the overlap with mushroom hunting season and encouraging hunters to identify their targets and surroundings. The youth-only season runs April 11–13. Licenses are available through April 13, with regular seasons continuing through May 18.
