(Lewis) — The 2025 hunting season is just around the corner, with the dove opener set for September 1. As the season approaches, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is now opening registration for hunter education courses.
Anyone born after January 1, 1972, is required to complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license. Iowa also accepts valid hunter education certificates from other states, so newcomers with prior certification won’t need to retake the course.
Youth aged 11 and up are eligible to enroll, and those who complete the course at age 11 will have their certificate become valid upon turning 12. The program focuses on firearm safety and aims to reduce hunting-related accidents through proper education.
John Lorenzen with the DNR office in Lewis encourages early enrollment, saying it’s best to get the course completed well before the season begins.
