DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa's cottontail rabbit season opens September 5 statewide, with the 2026 population holding steady from last year and 2025 marking the highest harvest in more than a decade.
Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife research biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said it should be a strong year for both experienced and novice hunters. He encouraged hunters to scout areas that may be overlooked for other species and to knock on doors for access to private land.
"It should be a really good year for rabbit hunting not only for experienced hunters, but for young or novice hunters who can learn necessary skills with little competition," Bogenschutz said. "There are a lot of areas that may not get looked at for other species that would be good options for rabbit hunting."
Iowa hunters have harvested around 90,000 cottontail rabbits each year over the past 10 years. Most hunting happens after crop harvest, with hunters walking brushy areas near harvested fields with a shotgun in the morning or evening.
The Iowa DNR says rabbit hunting doesn't require expensive gear—just a shotgun or .22 rifle and shells. Rabbit meat is lean and low fat, and it's considered a delicacy in many culinary circles. Iowa draws nonresident rabbit hunters from Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama and Arkansas.
Cottontail rabbit season runs September 5 to February 28, 2027. The daily limit is 10 rabbits with a possession limit of 20. Jackrabbit season is closed. While blaze orange clothing isn't required, it's recommended. Shooting hours are sunrise to sunset.
Iowa's cottontail rabbit population estimates are included in the August roadside survey of upland wildlife species, which will be posted at www.iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey by early September.
Squirrel season also opens September 5, offering another opportunity for hunters to get outdoors. Squirrels will be found around hickory, oak and walnut trees producing a heavy mast crop. Jim Coffey, forest wildlife biologist for the Iowa DNR, said squirrel hunting is an inexpensive way to learn valuable woodsmanship skills.
"Squirrel hunting is an opportunity to hone your skills to avoid being seen while in the woods, skills needed to hunt other species, like deer and wild turkey," Coffey said. "Get yourself outside chasing squirrels and bring someone new to hunting along."
Coffey recommended hunting in the early cool mornings when squirrels are most active before the heat of the day. He also advised hunters to be prepared for mosquitoes and other flying pests during early season.
Around 20,000 Iowa hunters have harvested about 100,000 squirrels each year over the past decade. Squirrel season runs September 5 to January 31, 2027, with a daily bag limit of six total or combination of red fox squirrels or eastern grey squirrels and a possession limit of 12. There is no restriction on shooting hours.
Hunters looking for places to hunt rabbits or squirrels can use Iowa's online hunting atlas at www.iowadnr.gov/hunting, which includes more than 600,000 acres of public land. Additional private land is available through the Iowa Habitat and Access Program, which allows hunters access from September 1 to May 31.