3 Attractions for the Sportsman To Enjoy at the Iowa State Fair

3 Attractions for the Sportsman To Enjoy at the Iowa State Fair

By Jessica Graham

It’s July, and chances are if you are in Iowa, you are thinking about a trip to the Iowa State Fair. It is an Iowa staple in August; most Iowans venture out to the fair to view the animals, live entertainment, and of course the fair-time food. However, if you are an outdoorsman, the fair offers you a lot more than just they typical experience. Here are 3 things every outdoorsman can’t miss at the Iowa State Fair.

1.) Outdoor Equipment
Whether you need equipment, or you just want to get ideas for your recreational ground, you can find equipment for your needs at the state fair. For hunters who utilize food plots, the options are extensive, especially when it comes to tractors. Vendors showcase equipment from Kubota and John Deere, just to name a couple manufactures. Additionally, you can find seed drills, planters, tillage equipment and brush cutters, a couple pieces of equipment that let you execute successful food plots and maintain property. There also are premade and custom-built sheds and shelters, which help keep equipment protected from weather and also offer safety and security. Custom shelters can also serve as a cabin for your recreational property. A good place to start your quest for ideas is outside the Varied Industries Building.

Furthermore, there are vendors with different All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and Utility-Terrain Vehicles (UTV). Exhibitors also have a plethora of accessories as well as trailer options for your ATV/UTV too. Various styles and models fit about every lifestyle. Whether you are looking for a leisurely recreational vehicle for comfort, one built for chores, or fast machines built for adrenaline addicts, you can find different options to fit your needs. If you do not have access to private property, but still seek an adventure, ATVs and UTVs can be used locally in the one of the many Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) parks located across the state. Some of these parks include: Bluff Creek OHV Park, Rathbun OHV Park, Gypsum City OHV Park, or Lake View OHV Park. There are several different options to get out and enjoy your recreational vehicle right here in our state. Your search for your next adventure very well may be waiting for you at the Iowa State Fair.

2.) DNR Building
This is probably the most obvious attraction for the outdoor community. The DNR building, located near the west entrance of the fair, attracts outdoorsmen from all over the state. The DNR have aquariums of fish as well as other wildlife and outdoor exhibits. Both kids and adults can learn here or can attend one of the outdoor themed presentations. The building has exhibits and information about Iowa and the fish and wildlife in our state. Often outdoor families utilize the exhibits to get their kids interested in outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting. Additionally, the updated Hunting & Fishing Regulations will be coming out soon, and now is a perfect time to visit with DNR officers and personnel to learn more about the upcoming changes and how they will affect you. The building also has an interactive children’s playhouse. The playhouse is constructed from various wood from our Iowa timbers. The DNR Building has information and entertainment for Iowans of all age groups and experiences.

3.) Food Plots
For the hunters and conservationists that invest in food plots, you formulate your plans while at the fair. Fertilizer vendors are set up outside the Varied Industry Building. Their whole business is built upon a vast understanding of different fertilizers and how they benefit different species of plants. They can help you take your food plot to the next level. Why not have the lushest, most attractive food plot in the area? Spend some time visiting with fertilizer vendors to take your food plots to the next level.

Iowa is known for its annual crop production, and as a result a few seed companies are present at the Iowa State Fair. Not only can the seed vendors advise and educate about the best varieties for your specific location, they can provide you with seed options for your property. Seed options can become overwhelming, so finding a knowledgeable agronomist or seed representative can be invaluable for sportsmen. Some of these seed companies include: Pioneer (Corteva), DeKalb (Monsanto), and Davis Seed Co. These companies can offer advise on some popular food sources of wildlife including: corn, soybeans, alfalfa, clover, sorghum, as well as other species. If you talk to the companies, ask for a seed dealer that can provide you with all your seed needs for your food plots. Along similar lines, Corteva and Monsanto also have crop protection services. Herbicides can cause a lot of stress if you do not know what you are doing. Crop protection representatives can guide you to the appropriate herbicides and insecticides you might need to establish and maintain a healthy food plot.

Another booth you should check out, whether you have food plots, or are a conservationist is The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS.) IDALS has a booth at the Iowa State Fair. Here you can learn in-depth knowledge about conservation and best practices. The purpose of IDALS is to connect Iowans with information about crops and programs in Iowa. They can provide information about things outdoorsmen find interesting such as water quality, pesticides, soil conservation and plant science. An IDALS representative will be able to inform you about ongoing programs and help you find the correct information and tools to help your property thrive.

Summary
The fair truly has a lot to offer. There is so much to do and see at the Iowa State Fair and there is no exception for outdoor enthusiasts. Food plotters can gear up for the upcoming fall food sources that will be going in the ground. Here they can strategize seed and herbicide planning as well as pick out equipment needed for food plots. Iowans seeking adventures can find vendors selling ATVs and UTVs to fit their needs. Finally, don’t forget to incorporate a stop at the DNR Building to learn about upcoming changes to hunting and trapping regulations.