Iowa Opens Furbearer Season Nov. 7, Closing Feb. 28 for Most Species

Iowa’s furbearer season opens Saturday, Nov. 7, and closes Feb. 28, 2027 for all species other than beaver, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources said in a news release dated Nov. 3, 2026. Beaver season runs longer, to April 15, 2027. Raccoons may also be trapped on private land after the regular season closes, but only with cage traps and dog proof traps.

Vince Evelsizer, the DNR’s furbearer and wetlands biologist, said in the release that most furbearer species populations are “stable to slightly increasing.” Iowa has 15,000 trappers, and he said interest in trapping has grown in recent years.

The release says a predicted Super El Nino could delay ice-up this fall, and water levels are generally good on most streams and marshes. Together they give trappers more time for muskrats, mink and beavers.

Pelt prices for bobcats, mink, otters, badgers and beavers rose last spring. The release ties the rise in part to renewed interest in natural fur, likely brought on by higher oil prices, since oil is a component needed to make imitation fur, and to better natural fur products. Evelsizer said more countries are buying at the world fur auctions. Muskrat, raccoon and coyote pelts may be similar to last year but may trend upward a little more this fall.

The DNR is continuing a gray fox research project with the Iowa Wildlife Federation. The study collects data on causes of mortality, habitat use and home ranges. Trappers who catch a gray fox are encouraged to contact the DNR, which wants healthy foxes to fit with tracking collars and any carcasses for analysis. The Iowa Wildlife Federation is paying a $400 reward for healthy, live-caught gray foxes used in the study.

Over the past three years the DNR and the Iowa Trappers Association have also run beginner trapping classes around the state.

Evelsizer said the late start could bring a good amount of trapping effort on opening weekend. Trappers on private land are encouraged to contact landowners before the season opens Saturday, Nov. 7, to confirm they have permission to access the land.

Opening day is Saturday, November 7, 2026. The season for all species other than beaver closes February 28, 2027, and beaver season closes April 15, 2027.