Iowa Deer Hunting for Non-Residents: Understanding the Iowa Deer Draw

Iowa Nonresident Deer Draw

Iowa is renowned for its exceptional deer hunting opportunities, particularly its whitetail population and the potential for trophy bucks. In this article, we will dive into the Iowa Deer Draw system and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how non-residents can secure a deer tag to hunt in Iowa. Read on to learn about Iowa whitetail, deer preference points, nonresident deer tags, hunting licenses, and other essential information.

How do I get a non-resident deer license in Iowa?

Non-residents can obtain an Iowa nonresident deer tag by successfully participating in the nonresident draw. The draw determines the allocation of deer tags to non-resident hunters. If selected, the non-resident hunter will be awarded a deer tag, granting them the opportunity to hunt deer in Iowa. Applications are handled through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Can a non resident buy a deer tag over the counter in Iowa?

Generally no, nonresidents cannot purchase an Iowa deer tag over the counter. In most years all nonresident tags are allocated via the draw. However, if excess tags are available after the draw, they are made available via an OTC leftover sale.

When is the 2025 Iowa nonresident deer draw?

The draw normally opens in early May and closes in early June. The 2025 Iowa non-resident deer draw are below. You can add this draw and others to you OnPoint calendar to never miss an application.

How does the Iowa non-resident deer draw work?

The Iowa Deer Draw is a lottery system that allocates a limited number of deer tags to non-resident hunters. The draw uses a preference point system, with tags being allocated to those with the highest point number. In an applicant’s first year, they have zero preference points. Gun and archery applications are performed as part of the same drawing and taken from the same pool of available tags. Archery tags are capped at 35% of the total nonresident tag allocation. Below is the 2025 tag allocation by hunting zone.

Iowa Nonresident Deer Draw Odds

Iowa typically issues 6,000 general deer licenses and receives over 10,000 applications. These are divided between 10 hunting zones, and draw odds are based on the specific zone and method of take applied for. Between the increasing interest in hunting Iowa and the 35% cap on archery permits, archery tags have become more challenging to get in recent years. In 2024 only zone 3 was drawn with zero points and all others required 1 or more points. For gun eight of the ten zones could be drawn by hunters with zero points.

Below we detail the minimum number of points required to draw a tag in 2024, split by zone and weapon type. Full details on drawing statistics can be found here. Keep in mind only a portion of the hunters below drew with minimum points, but all hunters with 1 additional point drew the respective unit.

Iowa Deer Zones

Iowa is divided into ten deer hunting zones. Tags are specific to an individual hunting zone. Below is the Iowa deer hunting zone map.

How do deer preference points work for non-residents?

Applicants earn Iowa deer preference points if they apply for the draw and are unsuccessful, or elect to purchase points directly without an accompanying application. Hunters who are unsuccessful will automatically be charged for a preference point.

In 2025 purchasing a point cost $60.50. No license is required to purchase a point only. Points accrue over the years. Upon successful draw application, preference points are reset to zero. Preference points do not apply to antlerless-only licenses, only to the standard general deer license.

What are the required licenses and permits for Iowa non-resident deer hunting?

In addition to the Non-Resident Whitetail or Either-Species/Either-Sex Deer Permit, non-residents must also purchase a hunting license and pay the Iowa Habitat Fee.

Hunters must provide proof of hunter’s education before submitting an application. If this is your first year applying, please get this started early as it must be validated before you are able to apply.

Hunters who are required to have Hunter Education Certification will need to provide proof by sending an image of your Hunter Education Certification card to customerservice@gooutdoorsiowa.com.

How much is a non-resident deer tag in Iowa?

For the 2025 hunting season, a non-resident general deer license cost $498 and the required general hunting license cost $131. A Habitat Fee of $15 is also required.