Iowa’s first duck hunting season of 2026 gets underway this weekend, with the state’s special September teal-only season opening Saturday, September 5, for nine days.
The season gives hunters a chance to get into the field before the regular duck season begins, but the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters that scouting will be especially important this year.
Wetland conditions are different across the state. Southern Iowa has received plenty of rain this summer, creating water in areas that haven’t held it for years. Meanwhile, wetlands in northwest and north-central Iowa are beginning to dry out and could use more rain.
Iowa DNR waterfowl biologist Orrin Jones says hunters should check water levels, access and where the birds are using the wetlands before heading out.
Teal typically prefer shallow water and areas with exposed mudflats. Jones also recommends hunters avoid wetlands holding large numbers of wood ducks and mallards, since only teal may be harvested during the September season.
Shooting hours begin at sunrise, rather than the earlier shooting hours used during the regular duck season. The later start is intended to give hunters better light for identifying birds before pulling the trigger.
The DNR will release its first wetland conditions report next week, followed by its first migration report during the week of August 31.
Hunters are also reminded that they must register for the Harvest Information Program, or HIP, each year before hunting migratory game birds.
The wetland and migration reports are available through the Iowa DNR’s waterfowl hunting webpage. Iowa DNR Waterfowl Hunting Information
Source: Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
