Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt

Hunting at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt

Hunting is allowed in the majority of the area. A portion of Chichaqua has been designated as a "controlled hunting area". Non-toxic shot (non-lead) is required with the exception of deer and turkey hunting. All state and federal hunting laws apply.

Polk County Conservation Board initiated a controlled waterfowl hunting program at the Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt in 1973. Each year, the program allows the reservation of up to 12 hunting blinds per day. Up to four people are allowed per blind. Hunting is allowed Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from legal opening time until 1 p.m. during the October to early December season. Blinds are located adjacent to waters that are part of a five hundred acre refuge. The program has been very popular with central Iowa hunters. The County's operation is one of several programs in Iowa and the only one in the central part of the state. The others are along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. It has been popular for older hunters who find it difficult to wade in many public marshes, but can walk to individual blinds over dry land at Chichaqua. The layout of the area, access to the blinds, and the need for no boats make it more attractive.

Waterfowl hunting blinds at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt can be reserved by calling the Chichaqua office at (515) 967-2596 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The twelve blinds are located in both marsh and woodland settings. Daily reservations are $30 per hunting blind. Hunting is allowed from legal opening time to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday throughout the season.

A trap range including a trap house is available to rent for a nominal fee. You may also bring your own thrower to use at the range if the area is not reserved. To reserve the range, call the park office at (515) 967-2596.  Shot shell only allowed at this range. For more information about hunting, please visit our website at www.leadingyououtdoors.org or click on the following link: HUNTING INFORMATION