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Iowa Hunting Information
When it comes to producing truly world-class whitetail deer, Iowa stands alone. Serious hunters who aspire to tag the buck of a lifetime should have Iowa firmly on their long-term plan and WTA TAGS is here to guide you every step of the way.
In Iowa, preference points are everything. Non-residents will not draw a whitetail tag without holding the highest number of points for their chosen weapon, season, and zone. In many zones, five to six preference points are typically required to archery hunt the November rut. The first shotgun, second shotgun, and muzzleloader seasons generally require two preference points in most zones.
WTA TAGS not only helps you build and manage your Iowa preference points, but we also recommend only the best outfitted hunts in the state. Our consulting team has thoroughly vetted Iowa outfitters through firsthand hunting experience and years of consistently positive client feedback. We focus on operations that control top-tier farms, practice sound herd management, and deliver exceptional hunting experiences year after year.
Given the time investment required to hunt Iowa as a non-resident, it’s critical to get it right. You can place your full confidence in WTA TAGS to book the right farms, in the right zones, with the highest-quality outfitters available.
To get started, call our office today at 1-800-755-8247 and take the first step toward a brighter whitetail hunting future. And remember, WTA TAGS applies your children FREE OF CHARGE and offers 50% off for female applicants.
- Point System: Iowa has a true preference point system in place. Therefore, you must have the highest number of points among all applicants in a particular unit to receive a tag.
- License Purchase Yes/No: No
- Party Applications: Up to 15 applicants may apply together.
- Hunter’s Safety Card Requirement: Anyone born after January 1, 1972 must have a hunter’s safety card to apply and in their possession while afield. If this is your first time applying in Iowa and you were born after this date, you must register this card before applying. WTA TAGS will handle this on your behalf. We must have a copy of your hunter’s safety card in our possession at least 10 days before the state application deadline.
- Youth: A child of any age can apply for a deer tag in Iowa as long as he/she has a valid hunter’s safety card.
Iowa Point System
- Species: WTA TAGS offers application assistance for the following species in Iowa: Whitetail deer, Eastern turkey.
- Point System: Iowa has a true preference point system in place for its deer and turkey tags. Therefore, tags will only be allocated to the applicants with the highest point total for a particular weapon/season and hunt zone. Many zones will take five to six points to draw a whitetail archery tag and one to two points to draw a gun tag (shotgun or muzzleloader). Turkey tags can typically be drawn in the first year you apply. If you fail to draw your turkey tag, you will draw it the next time you apply. Preference points never expire in Iowa.
- Party Applications: Up to 15 applicants may apply together for whitetail deer and turkey. All members of the group will be assigned the preference points of the member with the fewest points. Iowa does not average preference points.
- Hunter’s Safety Card Requirement: Anyone born after January 1, 1972, must register their hunter’s safety card with the Iowa DNR prior to applying. WTA TAGS can assist you with this process.
- Youth: There is no minimum age to apply in Iowa; however, hunters must have a hunter’s safety card.
- Point System: Iowa has a true preference point system in place. Therefore, you must have the highest number of points among all applicants in a particular unit to receive a tag.
Iowa Application Deadlines
Deer
June 7, 2026
Spring Turkey
January 25, 2026
Iowa Tag Fees
Iowa SPECIES | State Tag Fee | TOTAL DUE TO WTA TAGS TO APPLY |
|---|---|---|
Whitetail | $512.94 | $227.62 |
Preference Point Only | $99.58 | |
Spring Turkey | $122.57 | $215
|
Draw your Iowa hunting tag. Find the right Iowa guide.
Top 5 Advantages to using WTA TAGS
1. Dedicated Consultant
Each client is assigned a dedicated WTA TAGS Consultant. Our Consultants are the absolute experts in this field and valuable to have in your corner.
2. Peace Of Mind
Your applications will always be submitted on time and with your best interest at heart. If drawn, you will be notified by your dedicated Consultant.
3. The Float
Several states require the applicant to submit the entire tag fee, up-front, at time of application. No worries, WTA TAGS will float the tag fee on your behalf.
4. Extensive Outfitter Network
Once drawn, you can be assured WTA TAGS has the very best outfitter network in place to consider for your world-class tag.
5. Women and Children Program
Female applicants receive 50% off the WTA TAGS service fees, and kids under 19 are FREE!
Apply with WTA TAGS
Expert Knowledge
1-800-755-8247
1-800-755-8247
