2eer Hunting at Mines of Spain

Archery season and Shotgun season is controlled by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and are the same as Iowa Shotgun 1 and 2 Regulations/Hunting seasons.

Please see details on the IDNR Website Here 

  • All other hunting seasons are closed in the Mines of Spain – hunting prohibited
  • Rifles, handguns, and muzzleloader guns ARE PROHIBITED in the park at all times
  • Be respectful of other park visitors.
  • Hunters should refrain from using hiking or ski trails to avoid non-hunters.
  • Non-hunters should avoid going off-trail to avoid hunters
  • All park users should practice LEAVE NO TRACE, Do Not Litter, and Do Not cut trees or brush, Leave the area as you found it or better.
  • Screw in steps and permanent blinds or stands are illegal and will be removed by park staff.
  • Stands or blinds can be used by any park visitor if left in the park. All stands or blinds must be remove

Rules and Regulations

Deer hunting is available at the Mines of Spain Recreation Area.

Seasons are limited to the two regular archery seasons and the two regular December shotgun seasons. All other seasons are closed to hunting in the park.
Shotgun use is only allowed during the December seasons. All other forms of firearms are prohibited.

Deer stands, steps, and blinds can be temporary only. Any permanent blinds, screw-in steps or the like will be removed by park staff.

All stands and blinds must be removed within 7 days after the season and cannot be put up until 7 days before the season.
Any stands or blinds left up during the season can be used by any visitor to the park.

Other game may be taken during the approved deer seasons, but must be taken with the approved weapon for that season
Trees, limbs, brush or similar cannot be cut or trimmed for hunting. All vegetation must remain natural.

Hunting may occur from ½ hour before sunrise and ½ hour after sunset.
Hunters must wear blaze orange that is visible at 360 degrees from all view points.
A regular Iowa License and Deer Permit are required by all persons participating in hunting.

It is illegal for anyone to harass or interfere with hunting.

It is illegal to remove stands or blinds, except by DNR staff.

Report Your Harvest Information Click Here
Include sex, location in park, number in hunting party and date with time of day.
The Mines of Spain Recreation Area is located south of Dubuque, Iowa. The park is situated along the Mississippi River and is here for many uses and for all to use and enjoy.

Hikers, hunters, skiers and other outdoor users will be out in the park for a variety of reasons. All visitors in the park should respect the use of others. The park is here for everyone to use, but consider the following safety suggestions.
Those not hunting should consider alternate locations if hunters are visible.
Those hunting should consider alternate hunting areas if hikers are known to be in area.

Non-hunters like hunters should wear orange apparel that is visible at 360 degrees. Hunters during shotgun season are required to.

Leave a note on your vehicle that you are hunting or hiking/skiing/other.
All dogs are required to be on leash at all times, but have pets wear orange during hunting seasons.

Hunters consider not using trails. Select another way to the hunting spot
Non -hunters consider staying on trails and not venturing off trail.

Leave the park as you found it or better – LEAVE NO TRACE.

Call park office or 911 of illegal activity.

Remember – you are not the only person in the park. BE ALERT.

Be respectful of others and practice leave no trace