PURPOSE:  This special season is designed to increase the harvest of local Canada geese in and around urban centers to decrease conflicts between geese and people.  Geese that reside in urban areas are generally exposed to less hunting pressure during regular goose seasons than geese in rural areas.  Consequently urban goose populations often grow at faster rates than rural populations.  Federal regulations require that this additional hunting opportunity be offered only when migrant Canada geese are not in Iowa.  The geese harvested during September 1-15 will predominantly be local Canada geese from the immediate area in and around the hunting zone, the same geese that are causing problems on golf courses, housing and business complexes and airports.

PERMISSION TO HUNT REQUIRED: Establishing this zone does not constitute permission to hunt.  Hunters must obtain permission from the person or entity in lawful control of the land to hunt geese.   Shaded areas on the map denote approximate city boundaries.  Permission to hunt within city limits must be granted by the city. Permission from the landowner, tenant or other person in lawful control of the land must always be obtained to hunt private land within or outside of city limits.  Public areas outside of city limits may or may not be open to hunting.  Check with the local land manager before attempting to hunt.

Zones, Dates and Bag limits:  Three special September season Canada goose hunting zones have been established.  Only Canada geese may be hunted during the September 1-15 time period.

 Special Canada Goose Hunting Regulations (pdf)

Zone boundaries:   Textual descriptions of zone boundaries.

The City of Ankeny prohibits the discharge of firearms within City limits.

Also see West Des Moines hunting ordinance information.

Please check City ordinances in all special goose hunting zones for limitations and prohibitions prior to hunting within any city limit.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS TO HUNT GEESE:

·       Residents age 16 to 65 and all nonresidents regardless of age must have a Small Game Hunting License and pay the Habitat Fee. 

·        Residents and Nonresidents born after January 1, 1972 must show proof of having passed a state-sponsored hunter safety and ethics course before purchasing a Small Game Hunting license.

·        Residents and nonresidents age 16 or older must pay the Migratory Game Bird Fee and purchase a Federal Waterfowl Stamp (Duck Stamp). 

·        Residents under age 16 hunting without adult supervision must have a Small Game Hunting License and must show proof of having passed a state-sponsored hunter safety and ethics course, but do not need to pay the other fees. 

·        Hunters under age 16 hunting under the direct supervision of a properly license adult do not need a license or pay any of the fees.  The youth hunter may have his or her own bag and possession limit.  There may be no more than one unlicensed youth with each adult hunter.