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1. Does a child under age 16 need a license to hunt in Iowa?

Residents under 16 years old who hunt under the direct supervision of their properly licensed parent, guardian, or other competent adult with the consent of the parent or guardian do not need a Hunting License or pay the Habitat or Migratory Game Bird fee. One properly licensed adult must accompany each unlicensed hunter under 16 years old.

Residents 12 to 15 years old may hunt without adult supervision, but must have a Hunting License and must have passed a hunter education course. Fees are not required.

For more information on hunting rules and regulations visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

2. Is hunter's safety required?

Resident and nonresident hunters born after Jan. 1, 1972, must satisfactorily complete a hunter education course in order to obtain a hunting license. A person who is 11 years-old or older may enroll in a course, but those who are 11 and successfully complete the course shall be issued a certificate of completion which becomes valid on that person’s 12th birthday. Residents under the age of 12 can be issued deer and turkey licenses, but the youth hunter must be accompanied by and under the immediate control of or direct supervision of a licensed adult hunter.

For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

3. Do you need a trout stamp to fish for trout?

Iowa residents and nonresidents who are required to have a fishing license must pay the Trout Fee to fish for or possess trout. Iowa residents and nonresidents under 16 years old may possess or fish for trout without having paid the Trout Fee if they fish with a properly licensed adult who has paid the Trout Fee and together they limit their catch to the one person daily limit of five trout. Children under 16 have the option to purchase their own trout privilege, which allows them to fish without a properly licensed adult and keep their own daily limit.

For more information on fishing rules and regulations visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

4. What do I do if I harvested a banded duck or geese?

Reporting the harvest of banded waterfowl provides valuable information which helps sustain waterfowl populations and hunting for the future. The bands can be reported by calling 1-800-327-2263 or by visiting the federal bird reporting website.

5. What do I do if I find a banded pigeon?

You have found a racing pigeon. For information on how to identify and care for the pigeon visit the American Racing Pigeon Union website.

6. What do I do if I get sprayed by a skunk?

If you, a family member or a pet get sprayed by a skunk, mix together 1 quart of 3 percent Hydrogen Peroxide, a quarter cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap in a plastic bucket. Wash the affected area and make sure to keep solution out of eyes, nose and mouth.

7. Where can I purchase a hunting or fishing license.

Hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased at The General Store, Theisens, Kmart and Walmart in Marshalltown. Also at Baker's Wildlife and Angling in Clemons and Dean's Bait and Tackle in State Center.

For a complete list of vendors in Iowa, view this document.

8. How much does a hunting or fishing license cost?

For hunting and fishing license fees, view this document.