Dove, cottontail rabbit and squirrel hunting seasons all open tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 1. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports they had about 20,000 hunters harvest 100,000 squirrels in 2017 and about 24,000 hunters harvested 120,000 cottontails. The DNR predicts they will see higher numbers of hunters out and about on opening day as it falls on a weekend this year. They do want to remind everyone that squirrel season is from Sept. 1 through Jan 31, 2019, with a daily limit of six squirrels, gray or fox, and a possession limit of 12. Cottontail season is from Sept. 1 through Feb. 28, 2019 with a 10 rabbit daily limit and a possession limit of 20, and while blaze orange is not required when hunting rabbits, it is recommended. And Iowa’s dove season is open from Sept. 1 through Nov. 29, with shooting hours at one half hour before sunrise to sunset. The daily bag limit is 15, mourning or Eurasian, with a possession limit of 30. Hunters are also reminded that when dove hunting, their gun must be plugged to hold no more than three shells, and if hunting north of I-80, they need to check to see if nontoxic shot is required.
