Iowa spring turkey season 2027: dates and free maps
When the season opens
Youth season (residents): Friday, April 9 to Sunday, April 11, 2027
Source: Iowa DNR
Gun/bow seasons 1 to 4: Monday, April 12 to Sunday, May 16, 2027
Season 1 Apr. 12-15, 2 Apr. 16-20, 3 Apr. 21-27, 4 Apr. 28-May 16. Resident archery-only Apr. 12-May 16.
Source: Iowa DNR
Checked on the agency's site November 6, 2026. Permits, zones, bag limits and shooting hours differ: the regulations are what count, so read them before you go.
Legal shooting hours for big game in Iowa, generally: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Spring turkey hours are often shorter (many states close at noon), so check the turkey rules.
Turkey hunting means walking in before first light to get set up near the roost, often where there's no signal. Download the maps for your spot ahead of time and Cartahaven shows your GPS position on them offline, so you can stay on public ground and find your way back to the truck.
Free public land maps in Iowa
- Iowa USGS topo maps (1,116)
- Iowa historical topo maps (115)
- Iowa national park maps (1)
Before you go
Cartahaven is not affiliated with or endorsed by Iowa DNR. Season dates come from the agency pages linked above.