With some hunting seasons underway in Iowa and several more that are upcoming, there have been some changes that hunters need to know.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer for Greene County Aaron Arthur says one of the changes is for duck hunters and that they follow the federal regulations. The E-stamp, which duck hunters can purchase online, is now valid for an entire hunting season, instead of a 45 day period. He clarifies one confusing aspect about E-stamps and when they are issued. 

“The caveat that you’ll see if you buy it online now you will not receive it I believe until like March 10th (of 2025). I think the reason they did that is because it’s an E-stamp (so) it’s good, and then they’re pretty much giving the stamp to you after the duck seasons close. So there’s not people getting an E-stamp and then I don’t give you my stamp to go duck hunting onto. So don’t be surprised if you don’t get your stamp until March of next year.”  

Arthur points out another important change for deer hunters is with the landowner/tenant licenses. He notes that these licenses are free and now they are valid throughout any deer hunting season, much like youth deer hunting seasons.

“It’s kind of like the caveat with the youth license, they can use them every season until filled, but they must follow the method taken of that season. And once it’s filled it’s no different, they report their deer or the tag is no longer valid.” 

According to ISU Extension and Outreach, for the expansion of the landowner/tenant license, only one deer can be harvested per season.