Looking into starting the process of getting to hunt Iowa public land. Trying to learn how preference points work and how long does it normally take to get a stamp? Anyone that can help me with this process would be greatly appreciated.
It's an expensive journey.
Points are around $65 ea.
Depending on the zone, and the weapon it could take 5 points to be drawn. That's on top of a license that is already expensive. Points, licenses, fees, etc can cost upwards of $900 when it's all added up.
It's more difficult to draw an archery tag than a gun tag. In general, it takes more points for a bow tag and you cannot hunt with a bow in the firearm season...it's gun only.
The period to buy points or apply for a tag is from 1st week of May to 1st week of June each year.
If you fail to draw then you are automatically awarded a point...there are no refunds.
Points do not expire.
Tags are zone-specific meaning you are restricted to the zone in which you were drawn...you cannot hunt state wide.
If you wanted to hunt a high demand zone (#5 for example) you can pretty much count on not drawing until you have 5 points which if you have zero points now, means you won't draw until 2027 or later.
One more thing, you can apply for tags as a group but the entire group will essentially be on the same level as the guy in the group with the least points. You could have 10 points but if one man in your group has only 2 points, I guarantee you that your group won't be drawing a bow tag. Be careful who you apply with.