Game Breeder
Iowa Game Breeder
Permit 2026
Requirements and fees for raising and selling captive game animals in Iowa. Iowa licenses commercial game breeders for game birds and white-tailed deer. CWD testing is mandatory for captive deer.
Facility Inspection
Record Keeping
Annual Renewal
2026 Permit Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Annual Fee
$50.00
Per year, per permit
Facility Inspection
Required
Initial & periodic
Record Keeping
Required
Inventory & transactions
Agency
Iowa Dept. of Natura...
Permit issuer
Covered Species
Game Species Covered in Iowa
White-tailed deer, game birds, wild turkey
Step-by-Step
How to Apply for a Game Breeder Permit in Iowa
1
Review Requirements
Contact Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources to get the current application packet. Review species-specific requirements, especially for deer and elk which have additional disease testing requirements.
2
Prepare Your Facility
Your facility must pass inspection before or shortly after permit issuance. Ensure fencing, housing, and water systems meet Iowa's standards for your target species. Game wardens or wildlife inspectors conduct the evaluation.
3
Submit Application & Fee
Submit your completed application to Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources.
Annual permit fee: $50.00. Include all required documentation (property ownership or lease, facility plan, intended species list).
4
Maintain Required Records
Keep detailed records of all animals in your possession: births, deaths, purchases, and sales. Annual reports are typically required. Records must be available for inspection at any time by wildlife officers.
Permit Classes
Iowa Permit Structure
Deer Breeder vs. Game Bird Propagation permits separate
Requirements
Iowa Game Breeder Requirements
Iowa DNR permit, facility inspection, mandatory CWD testing for deer, annual reports.
Source: Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources (www.iowadnr.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current permit requirements and fees directly with Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources.