This permit is for the West side 1 hour before opening time to 12 Noon.
Gordon's Marsh is 283.5 acres which consists primarily of 100 acres of wetlands surrounded by 183 acres of upland. It has been purchased through a variety of funding sources in four separate tracts. Donations from the Norman and Virgil Gordon families helped establish this area as a youth hunting area. Grants were received from the Iowa Lottery, Public-Private Cost Share Program, Iowa REAP grants, Hamilton County Pheasants Forever, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Wetlands for Iowa, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Ducks Unlimited and the Hamilton County Conservation Board.
The Purpose of the area is for young hunter education. Gordon's Marsh is divided into two areas (east and west). If you want to hunt waterfowl, choose the West area. If your quarry is pheasant, choose either area. The purpose for an area such as this is to re-establish some of the traditional values of hunting. Providing areas to foster some of those unforgettable moments of a parent and child sharing their first hunt together. Memories of days afield last forever. Many successful people are driven in life by experiences they had as a youth. We hope to provide our young people with the opportunity to experience a quality outdoor hunt without fear of interruption as is common in many public areas.
Hunter safety and education are also a part of the basic purpose of the area. By providing time to hunt, we also want each hunting group to stress safe gun handling techniques, as well as hunter etiquette. Learn about proper game care and see first hand the benefits of proper wildlife management practice.
Location
This area is located 2 miles north of county road D46 and 4 miles west of county road R27.
Fees
No fee required
Hours of Operation & Seasons
- The general public (those without a special use permit) cannot use the Young Hunter Education Area during September 1 - February 28.
- The general public can access (foot traffic only) the State Refuge area except during September 10– December 25.
Closures
The area’s main parking lot cannot be used for parking during September 1 – February 28. Hunters can drive back to the main parking lot to drop off or pick up decoys or a boat, but then must immediately return their vehicle to the appropriate Young Hunter Education parking lot. The chain gate must be closed when you return to the parking lot.
Permits
- Anyone hunting in this area must have obtained a special use permit from the county conservation office prior to use.
- The special permit is non-transferable and must be displayed in the permit holder's vehicle and be visible from the outside of the vehicle.
- Maximum of 4 persons are allowed per permit. Minimum of two persons (1 adult / 1 youth). Youth must be 15 years & under; Adult must be 21 years or older.
- All adults attending youth on the Young Hunter Education Area must be licensed to hunt.
- Both the adult and the youth can carry guns.
- The youth does not have to have a hunting license. Youth does not have to have taken Hunter Safety.
- One limit of game can be taken if the youth is not licensed to hunt.
- Two limits of game can be taken if the youth is licensed to hunt. However, we encourage only 1 limit be taken to help provide the greatest abundance of game for the youth that hunt after you.
- Permit is valid from 1 hour before opening to 1 hour after closing time.
- Vehicles shall be parked in designated areas only.
- Obey all boundary and refuge restrictions.
- Boats or canoes without motors are allowed.
- Remains of field cleaned game shall be disposed of at least 50 yards away from the parking areas and roads.
- Permit and survey cards must be returned to the Conservation Department office before another permit will be issued. Hamilton County Conservation reserves the right to issue or deny approval of permits.
- All huntable game species listed by the State of Iowa can be pursued at Gordon’s Marsh. All State of Iowa Game Laws apply.
- Only non-toxic shot that has been approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shall be used.
- Target shooting is not allowed at Gordon’s Marsh.
- Dog training is allowed on the Young Hunter Education Area during the following dates only: February 1 – March 14 and July 16 - August 31. Dog training is not allowed on the State Refuge Area.
PERMIT FOR VEHICLE - MUST PRINT
