Celebrate Iowa Hunting and Fishing Day - September 26

Many Iowans love to share their passion for hunting and fishing with family and friends, while making memories of time spent outdoors.

Recognizing this rich tradition, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed a proclamation declaring September 26 as Iowa Hunting and Fishing day. The proclamation encourages all Iowans to share their outdoor pursuits with beginning adults and youth.

Celebrate Iowa Hunting and Fishing Day this weekend with these simple suggestions. Be sure to invite someone to come along.

Fall fishing is one of Iowa’s best kept secrets. Fish are actively feeding in preparation for the spawn next spring. Go in the middle of the day when water temperatures are warmer. Use live bait, particularly minnows, small tackle and fish slowly. Find a new fishing hole to explore with the DNR’s new interactive Fishing Atlas, and check out the week’s hot spots in the Iowa Fishing Report.

Dove hunting is an accessible sport for hunters of all ages and experience levels. Doves can be found in all 99 counties. They like bare ground and prefer open landscapes and larger food plots such as sunflower fields. If a sunflower plot is not available, try a weed patch or harvested grain field. Brush up on Iowa regulations for hunting migratory birds before you go.

Bow fishing for carp is a great outdoor activity that’s easy to learn. All you need is a bow, a bowfishing reel, heavy test line, and bowfishing arrows. It takes a quick eye and a fast shot to have a chance to reel in a carp as they often surface the water only briefly. Be sure you can identify the fish before you shoot. Only rough fish (such as carp and suckers) can be taken by bow and arrow. A fishing license is required to bow fish in Iowa.

Rabbit and squirrel hunting are inexpensive hunting opportunities to introduce beginners to hunting. Experienced hunters can test out their equipment and sharpen their outdoor skills before pheasant and deer seasons begin. If you’re looking for land to hunt, try the DNR’s interactive Hunting Atlas, which shows public land as well as private land enrolled in the Iowa Habitat and Access Program. Through IHAP, Iowa landowners receive help establishing habitat and in turn, open their land to public hunting.

Trout fishing in the fall offers cooler weather and amazing fall colors – including the trout! Male brown and brook trout show off their most vibrant colors this time of year). Trout are beginning their spawning rituals and seem to always be hungry as they try to bulk up for winter. Anglers need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Learn more about Iowa’s trout streams, including maps and stocking schedules.

Experience the fun of Iowa’s outdoors at the seventh annual Iowa Outdoor Expo, Sept. 26 and 27 at Waterworks Parks in Des Moines. Try fishing, bow fishing, canoeing and kayaking, outdoor cooking, trap shooting, archery, off road vehicles and more in a safe, controlled environment. The Expo is open September 26 from 9-6 and September 27 from 10-4. Attendees can read and sign Governor Branstad’s Iowa Hunting and Fishing Day proclamation. A full list of activities is available at www.iowadnr.gov/expo.