Hunting

Rathbun Lake offers many opportunities for a variety of game. Deer, pheasant, quail, turkey, duck, geese, rabbit and squirrel may be found on public hunting lands.

The north side of Rathbun Lake has more wooded areas and blocks of timber than the south side. The oak-hickory stands of the north side provide excellent habitat for turkey, deer and squirrel. The south shore of the lake has more areas of warm season grass and smaller woodlots. Upland species such as pheasant and quail are hunted here.

Waterfowl hunters can take advantage of the six marshes located on the two forks of the lake. Consult the Rathbun Lake brochure for hunting and refuge areas.

Most hunting accidents occur because of improper gun handling. Hunters swinging on game and hunters mistaken for game are two of the most common accidents. The wearing of blaze orange and Hunter Education training can reduce the chances of being involved in an accident.

Iowa law requires that any hunter born after January 1, 1967 must complete a Hunter Education course before they can obtain an Iowa hunting license.

RATHBUN LAKE
DUCK BLIND DRAWING

The Corps of Engineers issues permanent duck blind permits for sites located east of Highway S70. Permitees may construct a permanent blind and leave decoys in designated areas for hunting during regular seasons.

Rathbun Lake’s annual duck blind drawing is held the Saturday following Labor Day. Blinds are issued on a lottery basis, participants must have all licenses and stamps required to hunt ducks in Iowa in their possession at the time of the drawing.

Iowa DNR Hunting Regulations
TIP
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service