Hunting Season Kicks off With Rabbit and Squirrel Hunts

Iowa's cottontail rabbit and squirrel season begins Aug. 31 statewide. Cottontail Rabbit "It should be another good year for rabbit hunting, not only for experienced hunters, but for young or novice hunters who can learn necessary skills with little competition," said Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife research biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). "Rabbits have been one of the most stable populations of our upland species we've had in the state." Last year, an estimated 19,600 hunters harvested nearly 68,500 cottontail rabbits. The most popular way to hunt is with a shotgun, walking brushy areas with grass next to crop fields in the morning or evening. It can be done individually, or with a group of friends. Rabbit hunting does not require a significant investment or high-tech equipment, just a shotgun or .22 rifle. Rabbit is a lean, low-fat meat and popular table fare. Cottontail rabbit season is Aug. 31 to Feb. 28, 2025. The daily limit is 10 rabbits with a possession limit of 20. Jackrabbit season is closed. While wearing blaze orange clothing is not required to hunt rabbits, it is recommended. Shooting hours for rabbits is sunrise to sunset. Iowa's cottontail rabbit population estimates are included in the recently completed August roadside survey of upland wildlife species that will be posted at www.iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey by early September. Squirrel Be prepared during early squirrel season for mosquitoes and other flying pests, Coffey said, and try and hunt in the early cool mornings as squirrels will be very active before the heat of the day. Hunters will generally find plenty of squirrels and little competition. This would also be a good opportunity to do some scouting for a spring turkey hunt or to look for whitetail deer rubs before bow season. Last year, nearly 22,000 squirrel hunters harvested approximately 94,000 squirrels. Squirrel season is August 31 to January 31, 2025, with a daily bag limit of six total or combination of red fox squirrels or eastern grey squirrels and a possession limit of 12. Fox squirrels are generally found in more open pasture timber and woodlots whereas grey squirrels tend to be in more mature timber. There is no restriction on shooting hours. Where to hunt Hunters looking for places to go rabbit or squirrel hunting should use Iowa's online hunting atlas at www.iowadnr.gov/hunting, with more than 600,000 acres of public land that allows hunting. Never a dull moment! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and stay one step ahead with local news and information you just can't get anywhere else.