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This zone features a decent population of turkey and hunters here can find some good opportunities. Turkey habitat is spread throughout the area but common areas to check initially will include crop fields and areas near water such as creek or river beds. Public lands are limited in this unit but there are some great options to consider from traditional state lands to wildlife management areas. These are spread throughout the zone but some of the larger pieces you might consider would include the Boone Forks WMA, the Saylorville WMA, the Chichaqua Bottoms WMA, and much more. Generally speaking, the best private lands are generally leased by outfitters. Looking into outfitters can be a great way to drastically increase your odds of success.

Fall turkey hunting requires a different approach compared to the spring season, focusing on the unique behaviors and patterns of turkeys during this time. In the fall, turkeys often form flocks that include both males and females, and their primary concern is foraging for food rather than breeding. To succeed, it’s essential to understand their feeding patterns and scout areas rich in acorns, nuts, or crops where turkeys are likely to gather. Look for signs of their activity, such as tracks, droppings, and feathers, to determine where they are feeding. Calling techniques should be subtle; use gentle clucks and purrs rather than loud, aggressive calls, and try to mimic the sounds of turkeys foraging. Utilizing decoys can be effective, especially if they simulate a feeding flock, and placing them in a natural-looking setup can attract turkeys more convincingly. Mastering the element of surprise is crucial—move slowly and quietly through the woods, stopping frequently to listen and observe, and set up near known feeding zones with natural cover for concealment.

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Traditional state lands are spread throughout the area but there is a large section available along the northern border near the town of Webster City. Additionally, hunters will also have access to a great collection of Wildlife Management areas throughout the zone that can provide some exceptional hunting opportunities. While private lands offer the best chances for success, hunters willing to dedicate effort and time to exploring public lands can still find a punched tag at the end of their hunt. Oftentimes, the best private lands are generally leased by outfitters. Looking into outfitters can be a great way to drastically increase your odds of success.","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"unordered-list","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"list-item","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Roughly 8,824 square miles","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"data":{}}]}]},{"nodeType":"list-item","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"3% public land","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"data":{}}]}]}]},{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Some of the bigger portions of land you might consider for public access:","marks":[],"data":{}}]},{"nodeType":"unordered-list","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"list-item","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"State lands near Webster City","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"text","value":" - There is a large collection of traditional state owned lands located just southwest of Webster City. These are also in very close proximity to another larger collection of WMA lands. This could be an excellent starting point.","marks":[],"data":{}}]}]},{"nodeType":"list-item","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Boone Forks WMA - this 4,500 acre wildlife management area is broken up into several chunks along the Des Moines and Boone River drainages. Terrain is varied here offering hunters some very unique hunting opportunities.","marks":[],"data":{}}]}]},{"nodeType":"list-item","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Saylorville WMA","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"text","value":" - The Saylorville WMA is found in the central portion of the unit and lies along the Des Moines River. This 11,000 acre piece of land features incredible river bottom country that can be excellent for deer hunting during any season.","marks":[],"data":{}}]}]},{"nodeType":"list-item","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"Chichaqua Bottoms WMA","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"data":{}},{"nodeType":"text","value":" - This large WMA in the southeast corner of the zone provides hunters with thousands of acres of river bottom and marshlands that provide excellent habitat.","marks":[],"data":{}}]}]}]},{"nodeType":"paragraph","data":{},"content":[{"nodeType":"text","value":"","marks":[],"data":{}}]}]},"icon":"fa-access","status":"Closed","title":"Access"},{"body":{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Des Moines is located in the south central portion of the unit and provides hunters access to anything they might need. Other large towns and communities are spread throughout the zone and can provide many modern housing options in the form of hotels, motels, and rental properties. Established campgrounds can also be found throughout the area, many of these being right near some of the bigger public land sections found here. Sporting goods can be found throughout the zone with the best selections being found in the larger cities. Groceries and normal amenities can be found in nearly all of the towns and communities. ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Some of the larger towns and cities located in the zone:","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Des Moines","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" - South central","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Marshalltown","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" - East central","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Waterloo","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" - Located just outside of the zone in the northeast corner","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Webster City","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" - North central","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Denison","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" - Western Edge","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Harlan","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" - Southwest corner","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"}],"nodeType":"unordered-list"}],"nodeType":"document"},"icon":"fa-camp","status":"Closed","title":"Camping and Lodging"}]},"flagImage":{"caption":"","credit":"","id":"3aZdKsf1dquMvlS6hrlcXF","link":null,"service":"contentful","title":"Iowa State Flag","url":"https://images.ctfassets.net/pksj0uelctmb/bnDKh1wrMXd0RGDo41liA/7ba24898d92a5952b2cfbe5410dfd453/Iowa_State_Flag"},"geographicBounds":[-95.704,40.619,-91.245,43.356],"heroImage":{"caption":null,"credit":null,"id":"3uXFFgJscoNDvYZuPmJ6iY","link":null,"service":"contentful","title":"Graphic of a landscape","url":"https://images.ctfassets.net/pksj0uelctmb/6YfghSFsuZ4RwMWFkr6Z7W/a0b9fc27f5e4e0b1a93aebd82b285066/Firefly_a_graphic_of_a_landscape.png"},"id":"6RmjT93IPHKuGT0nLtADRt","imageGallery":null,"leadText":"This large zone makes up the majority of the central portion of the state. Good numbers of turkey are found here and this zone routinely sees some great harvest numbers each year....","metaDescription":null,"metaTitle":null,"publishedAt":"2024-10-03T18:35:02.892Z","quickTips":["Turkeys have incredible eyesight - camouflage and natural surroundings will be important","Artificial blinds can be an excellent way to increase your cover","Decoys can be an excellent way to add realism to your calling setup"],"slug":"iowa-turkey-fall-zone-7","snapshot":{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"This large zone makes up the majority of the central portion of the state. Good numbers of turkey are found here and this zone routinely sees some great harvest numbers each year. The vast majority of this area is composed of private land and the terrain types will vary between crop lands, creek and river bottoms, and mature timber stands. 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Resident only. Tags are sold first-come-first-serve until the zone quotas are met or the end of season, whichever comes first. Tags are only valid for this zone

**Harvest data shown below is combined for all counties and spring seasons offered in this zone. Some counties may have portions in multiple zones, some data may be duplicated

","title":"Iowa Turkey Zone 7, Fall Gun/Bow","hunt_note":"Resident Only","tag_quota":[],"hunt_codes":[],"updated_at":"2026-07-29T22:10:17.528+00:00","season_dates":[{"end":"2026-12-04","start":"2026-10-12"}],"season_title":"Fall Gun/Bow - Resident Only","display_order":2,"hunter_or_tag":"N/A","harvest_success":[],"hunters_surveyed":[],"animals_harvested":[{"year":"2020","amount":"72"},{"year":"2021","amount":"66"},{"year":"2022","amount":"84"},{"year":"2023","amount":"90"},{"year":"2024","amount":"75"},{"year":"2025","amount":"63"}]},{"id":54494,"otc":false,"sex":"None","body":"

Resident only. Tags are valid statewide

**Harvest data shown below is combined for all counties and spring seasons offered in this zone. Some counties may have portions in multiple zones, some data may be duplicated

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GOHUNT

GOHUNT

GOHUNT

At a Glance

Quick Tips