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Iowa DNR 542-0417: Severely Disabled Deer License

Iowa runs a Severely Disabled Deer Season, and hunters establish eligibility for its license with DNR Form 542-0417. The attending clinician completes the Physician's Certification, declaring the applicant temporarily or permanently disabled under Iowa Code 321L.1(8), which centers on limited or impaired ability to walk. Once approved, the hunter's license account is updated so they can buy the license.

Who completes it

The hunter completes the applicant information and signs. A currently practicing MD, DO, physician assistant or nurse practitioner completes and signs the Physician's Certification, checking temporarily or permanently disabled.

Submitting and payment

How to submit it
The application goes to Iowa DNR's central office in Des Moines by fax, email or mail at least five working days before the hunter applies for or buys the deer license.

Good to know

  • Criteria include: cannot walk 200 feet without resting; needs a walking aid or another person; FEV1 under one liter or PaO2 under 60; portable oxygen; AHA class 3 or 4.
  • Permanently disabled hunters submit once; temporarily disabled hunters resubmit each year they qualify.
  • A copy of a state DOT disabilities parking permit can be sent instead of the Physician's Certification.
  • The season runs 16 consecutive days from the third Saturday in September. Nonresidents may also apply. Form revised 04/2024.

Get the official form

Download the current version from the source each time; forms change without notice.

Application for Eligibility to Acquire an Iowa Severely Disabled Deer Hunting License

Official pagePDF

How this list is checked

A form is listed only after its name and number were confirmed on the issuing agency’s or insurer’s own website, or in the form itself. Each entry links to that source. The list was last checked in October 2026. Forms and their requirements change without notice, so check the official page for the current version before you complete one.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can sign Iowa's severely disabled deer hunting certification?

A currently practicing doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, physician assistant or nurse practitioner, as the attending clinician. They complete the Physician's Certification on DNR Form 542-0417 and check whether the applicant is temporarily or permanently disabled under Iowa Code 321L.1(8).

Does the hunter need a new certification every year?

Only if the disability is temporary. Permanently disabled hunters submit the form once, and their purchasing record is updated so they can buy the Severely Disabled Deer Hunting License each year without recertifying. Temporarily disabled hunters resubmit for each year they qualify.

Is there an alternative to the Physician's Certification?

Yes. Instead of having a clinician complete the certification, the hunter can send a copy of a state department of transportation disabilities parking permit with the application. Either way, it must reach the DNR at least five working days before the hunter applies for or buys the license.