Hunting

Plan for Deer Season 2025

Plan for Deer Season 2025   As Iowa’s 2024 hunting season winds down this month, hunters across the state feel a mix of accomplishment and anticipation. For many, the season has been rewarding, with crisp mornings, challenging hunts, and stories to share. Yet, as the final days slip by and the fields quiet down, the […]

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Summer Hunter's Checklist Timber Stand Improvement The Wild Past of Iowa

Timber Stand Improvement

Timber Stand Improvement  For Beginners Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) can mean different things to different people. Ultimately, it depends on the goals landowners have for their timber. For some, the goal is to improve timber quality by focusing on higher-value trees to maximize economic return. For others, TSI is aimed at promoting wildlife habitat to […]

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Why use Prescribed Burning

Why use Prescribed Burning

Why use Prescribed Burning I remember watching our field of switchgrass being burned for the first time. With a drip torch in hand, the volunteer fire department struck the first line of flame, and I watched as the flame slowly gained strength. The fire spread, low and steady at first, but then surging forward. As […]

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Tips for Hunting in the Snow

Tips for Hunting in the Snow 

Tips for Hunting in the Snow  On a snowy Saturday morning last December, I doubted the instincts of one of my Small Munsterlanders, Della. We were chasing pheasants with some of my friends and their dogs. We were two birds shy of a three-man limit and one of those birds was mine. On our way […]

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Four reasons to hunt with a muzzleloader

Four Reasons to Hunt with a Muzzleloader 

Four Reasons You Need Hunt with a Muzzleloader  The muzzleloader is one of the most traditional weapons still used in modern times.  The guns, bullets, and powder have all been advanced in ways over the last 100 years but there is still a bottom line tradition to shooting one.  This weapon only gives you one […]

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How to Process Deer Meat

How to Process Deer Meat

How to Process Deer Meat Processing Equipment  For many deer hunters, the experience of the hunt goes beyond the thrill of the chase and extends into feeding ourselves and our families. Venison is a prized staple in hunters’ diets, and can be enjoyed in many forms throughout the year. From jerky and burgers to roasts […]

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Steps for Maintaining Firearms Long-Term 

Steps for Maintaining Firearms Long-Term 

  Steps for Maintaining Firearms Long-Term    As hunters hang up their gear and reflect on the memories of another successful season, it’s essential to turn our attention to the crucial task of caring for our firearms. Cleaning and storing your guns correctly is not just a matter of maintenance; it’s a responsibility that ensures […]

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Iowa Nature Center Destinations

Iowa Nature Center Destinations Edited by Jessica Graham I remember one of my first school field trips, a trip to Sharon Bluffs State Park and Nature Center. As kids, we were so excited to get out of the class room and explore and learn. Nature centers play several important roles in Iowa. They serve learning […]

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FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, Gov. Reynolds Survey NW Iowa Communities Impacted by Severe Flooding

Media Advisory  FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, Gov. Reynolds Survey NW Iowa Communities Impacted by Severe Flooding Article courtesy of FEMA WASHINGTON — Tomorrow, June 27, 2024, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will be joined by Governor Kim Reynolds in northwest Iowa to meet with local officials and survey damage in three communities impacted by severe flooding. […]

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The Basics of Trapping

The Basics of Trapping By Mike Sells With the recent rise in the price for raw fur, many of you may be considering starting a trap line. It is an excellent way to keep active in the outdoors and generate some extra income.  In this article I will explain the basic skills required to catch […]

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