wildlife management area

Rathbun Wildlife Area

Appanoose County, Iowa

Access

Open access · no draw

Open to the public during the season — no reservation or draw required.

40.8474, -92.9059

Iowa manages wetlands for waterfowl but has no statewide reservation draw — most areas are open to everyone, every day, on a first-come basis.

1
Licenses & fees
Carry an Iowa hunting license, the Iowa migratory game bird fee, and a federal duck stamp. Nonresidents buy nonresident licenses.
2
Open public access
Most Iowa waterfowl areas are open to all hunters daily. There is no statewide reservation or draw — find and set up on a first-come basis.
3
Refuges & closed zones
Many marshes include posted refuge areas closed to hunting to hold birds. Check the area map before heading out.
4
Registered blinds & shot
Where blinds are staked, occupy yours by shooting time or it opens to other hunters. Nontoxic shot is required.