I am looking for clarifacation on using a handgun( Ruger Super Blackhawk 45 Colt) for hunting deer in Iowa. Also if .22 handguns are legal for small game there. My wife is from there and Im trying to schedule a family visit with a hunting trip. Thanks all Mike

http://www.iowadnr.com/

􀂋 DEER SHOTGUN SEASONS: 10-, 12-, 16-
and 20-gauge shotguns shooting single slugs only;
flintlock or percussion cap muzzleloading rifles or
muskets between .44 and .775 caliber shooting single
projectiles; muzzleloading pistols and centerfire
handguns as defined on page 5.

􀂋 DEER EARLY MUZZLELOADER SEASON:
Flintlock or percussion cap muzzleloading rifles or
muskets between .44 and .775 caliber shooting single
projectiles; and muzzleloading pistols as defined
under “Handgun Requirements” on page 5. There are
no restrictions on in-line or disk-type muzzleloaders.

􀂋 DEER LATE MUZZLELOADER SEASON:
Flintlock or percussion cap muzzleloading rifles or
muskets between .44 and .775 caliber shooting single

􀂋 DEER YOUTH AND SEVERELY DISABLED
HUNTER SEASONS: Bows, shotguns, and
muzzleloading rifles or muskets as previously defined.
Disabled hunters may also use centerfire or
muzzleloading handguns if they meet age requirements
listed in the “Handgun Requirements” section
below.

􀂋 DEER SPECIAL LATE SEASON: All weapons
legal during any other season may be used.
􀂋 HOLIDAY DEER SEASON (nonresidents
only): All weapons legal during the Late Muzzleloader
Season may be used.

HANDGUN REQUIREMENTS
Centerfire handguns .357 caliber or larger, shooting
straight wall ammunition with expanding-type
bullet; and muzzleloading handguns .44 caliber or
larger shooting a single projectile. Minimum barrel
length for all handguns is 4 inches. No shoulder stock
or long barrel modifications are allowed.
Only the following centerfire cartridges may be used:
.357 Magnum, .357 Maximum, .375 Winchester, .38 Super,
.40 S&W, .401 Powermag, 10 mm Auto, .41
Remington Magnum, .41 Action Express, .44 S&W Special,
.44 Remington Magnum, .44 Automag, .444 Marlin,
.445 Super Mag, .45 ACP, .45 Colt, .45 Super Mag., .45
Winchester Magnum, .45 Silhouette, .451 Detonics, .454
Casull, .45-70 Govt., .460 Rowland, .475 Widley Magnum,
.475 Linebaugh, .480 Ruger, .50 Action Express,
.50 Linebaugh and .500 S&W Mag.
Hunters age 16 and under may not use any handguns.
Hunters ages 17 through 20 must be accompanied
by a parent, guardian or spouse who is at least 21
years old to use a handgun.

TRANSPORTING FIREARMS
To transport a rifle or shotgun in a vehicle on a public
highway, the weapon must be taken down or totally
contained in a securely fastened case with its barrels
and magazines unloaded. Handguns must be transported
unloaded in a closed container or securely
wrapped package too large to be concealed on your
person, or which is not readily accessible to any passenger
in the vehicle. Muzzleloaders must be cased, but will
be considered unloaded if the cap is removed from the
nipple or the primary charge is removed from the pan.

I couldn't find anything explicit about .22 handguns and small game. Nothing saying you could, nothing saying you couldn't. You may find it on there website, if not a quick call to there office would quickly answer that one. Hope this helps.

Just want to warn you that Iowa has raised the rates for non-residents, I have friends in neighboring states who will no longer hunt here due to the high cost of licenses.
NONRESIDENTSFishing (16 years and older) $39.50Fishing, 7-Day 30.50Fishing, 3-Day 15.50Fishing, 1-Day 9.00Trout Fee 13.50Boundary Water Sport Trotline 21.00Hunting (18 years and older) 80.50Hunting (Under 18 years) 30.50Habitat Fee 8.50Migratory Game Bird Fee 8.50Furharvester License 200.50Hunting Preserve 6.00Falconry 26.00

Backacre and LMM,
Thank you for your help, those non-res rates are very resonable, look what AZ charges a resident hunter for tags. My elk tag costs what the non-res tag costs in IOWA. I love that part of the world, but dont tell the wife. I have arthritus so I dont do the cold in big doses. 2-3 weeks at most Thanks guys Mike

Mike
Our ave shots for deer in Iowa from a tree stand or driving around the field is - 60 yds. There are some once in a lifetime big buck shots at 100. I shoot a hard cast fp 240grn. Any jhp or jfp factory will do the job.
Jim