Marshall County Conservation Board offers several areas throughout Marshall County for hunting. State hunting rules and regulations apply.

State hunting rules and regulations

 Areas available for hunting:

• Arney Bend Wildlife Area
• Forest Reserve
• Iowa River Wildlife Management Area
• Mag Holland Access Area
• Marietta Sand Prairie Reserve
• Timmons Grove North
• Bear Grove Forest Area
• Rhodes Timber Wildlife Area
• Wehrman Prairie
  

Hunter's Safety Courses:

Hunter education is a mandatory program that is designed to introduce students to several life-long skills that are important to the many different types of outdoor recreational opportunities. The course teaches students basic survival and first aid skills, water safety, wildlife identification, and the basics of wildlife management, hunting laws, and firearm/archery safety. Hunter education also stresses the importance of individual responsibility and outdoor ethics.

Iowa law requires that anyone born after January 1, 1972 must be certified in hunter education before they are eligible to purchase an Iowa hunting license. The minimum number of hours to complete the class is 10.

A person who is 11 years old or older may enroll in a course, but those who are 11 and successfully complete the course shall be issued a certificate which becomes valid on that person's 12th birthday. Iowa residents under the age of 12 can be issued a deer or turkey license; however, a licensed adult hunter must accompany each youth hunter. If the certificate is lost, a replacement certificate may be obtained from any ELSI vendor during regular business hours for $4.50

The IDNR offers three options for obtaining a hunter safety certificate: 

Option 1: Iowa Hunter Education - Classroom Instruction

• After January 2nd, 2014, please visit the Online Training Registration and Tracking System to find a course in your area and to get registered.

- If, as a student, you require reasonable accommodations to participate in a classroom type education program, please advise the listed contact person at the time of pre-registration.

To search for an upcoming Hunter Education Classroom Course in your area or to register please visit:  http://reservations1.usedirect.com/IowaWeb/.  

Option 2: Iowa Hunter Education - Online Course + Field Day

Notice: The Online Hunter Education Course was designed for the busy student or working adult that cannot fit a traditional class into their schedule. The Department recommends that students of the online coursework be age 16 or older.

The two companies mentioned below are authorized to provide the online hunter education coursework for Iowa and the student still needs to complete an Iowa Hunter Education Online Field Day. Field day Classes are limited and students will want to locate and register for a hunter education online field day class in their area prior to completing the online course work. Upon completion of the online coursework the student is issued a Field Day admission voucher which is valid for only one year. They are to print the voucher and present that voucher to the instructor the day of the online field day for which they registered.  After January 2nd, 2014, you will be able to search for a Iowa Hunter Education Online Field Day Class in your area and get registered.

Students taking the hunter education online coursework cannot substitute a portion of a traditional hunter education class as the field day in order to complete their hunter education certification. 

To search for an upcoming Hunter Education Field Day in your area or to register please visit:  http://reservations1.usedirect.com/IowaWeb/.  

Option 3:  Adult Online Only Hunter Education Course 

Notice:  You must be an Iowa Resident and 18 years of age or older to take this course.

The adult online only course has the same general content as the traditional classroom course and online/field day course but requires state specific information to be covered along with a final exam in which the student must achieve a score of 75% or better to pass.

This course is designed for adults that have prior hunting and/or firearms handling experience.  If you do not have prior hunting or firearms handling experience it is recommended that you take a traditional classroom course or attend a field day in order to receive one on one firearms handling training with a certified Hunter Education Instructor.

To Register for Hunter Education Courses:  http://www.iowadnr.gov/huntered

For more information on Hunter Education Courses :http://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/Hunter-Safety-Education

Hunting organizations:

The Marshall County Izaak Walton League

Founded in 1922, the Izaak Walton League is one of the nation's oldest and most respected conservation organizations. With a powerful grassroots network of more than 250 local chapters nationwide, the League takes a common-sense approach toward protecting our country's natural heritage and improving outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans. The Izaak Walton League invites you to learn about our work and to join us in supporting important conservation initiatives in your community.

The Marshall County Izaak Walton League is located just south of Marshalltown at 2601 Smith Avenue. With 82 acres of natural beauty members can enjoy a variety of aspects associated with the grounds (clubhouse rental, hiking trails, fishing pond, rifle range, archery range, and campfire rings) and the IWLA organization. To find out how to become a member of the Izaak Walton League e-mail: marshall.ikes@yahoo.com or Bob Backes at (641)752-1355.

 Visit their facebook page at : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marshall-County-Izaak-Walton-League/160460723976023

 Pheasants Forever

The leading upland wildlife habitat conservation group. "The Habitat Organization".  Pheasants Forever is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail, and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs.

  Ducks Unlimited

Ducks Unlimited is the world's leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation. DU got its start in 1937 during the Dust Bowl when North America’s drought-plagued waterfowl populations had plunged to unprecedented lows. Determined not to sit idly by as the continent’s waterfowl dwindled beyond recovery, a small group of sportsmen joined together to form an organization that became known as Ducks Unlimited. Its mission: habitat conservation. 

Whitetails Unlimited

Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national non-profit conservation organization that has remained true to its mission and has made great strides in the field of conservation. We have gained the reputation of being the nation's premier organization dedicating our resources to the betterment of the white-tailed deer and its environment. 

Please email membership@whitetailsunlimited.com with any membership inquiries.

Iowa Taxidermists Association

The Iowa Taxidermists Association was organized in 1984 by a group of taxidermists interested in learning more through seminars and comp­etitions. Two months later, their first statewide competition and seminars were held. Through much hard work and dedication, the association has grown and its members have grown with it. Many ITA members enter competitions in other states as well as national and world competitions and win ribbons, honors, and special awards.

http://www.iowataxidermyassociation.com/