Property/Gear
5 Tips for Season Opener
5 Tips for Season Opener #5 Tree Stand Inspections – Every year in late August, around the time I put my fall plots in, I do a complete inspection of every tree stand and ground blind set that I have. I make sure all the climbing sticks and the stands are tight and secure. While […]
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7 Ways to Tune Your Archery Equipment Before Opening Day
7 Ways to Tune Your Archery Equipment Before Opening Day As October 1st approaches, approximately 45,000 Iowans will prepare for opening day of Iowa’s deer archery season. Horn hunters and meat hunters alike should be sure equipment is in top-shape before hitting the timber is pursuit of Iowa’s whitetail deer. There is nothing worse than […]
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Hunting Cut Silage for Doves in Taylor County
Hunting Cut Silage for Doves in Taylor County When I first got interested in dove hunting it was something I had only seen on outdoor shows on television. I had recently left active duty and had been hunting waterfowl while living in Cajun country in southern Louisiana. Even living in a state known as “The […]
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History of the Iowa State Fair
History of the Iowa State Fair How Do You Fair? In 2021, the question begs an answer for many Iowa State Fairgoers – what do they want to eat, see and watch at the internationally-acclaimed event? After postponing in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Iowa State Fair is planning a comeback summer event […]
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The Inkpaduta Canoe Trail
The Inkpaduta Canoe Trail “I would say the river is too low to have an enjoyable float.” These were the disappointing words spoken to me by Cherokee County Naturalist and Assistant Director Laura Jones. Having planned a canoe trip on the Little Sioux River through Clay, O’Brien, Cherokee, and Woodbury counties in early May. I […]
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The Lone Star Tick and Alpha-Gal
The Lone Star Tick and Alpha-Gal You may think this is a story involving two characters in heroic quests in the outdoors. I can assure you, there is nothing fun about this duo. Anyone that spends very much time outside understands what it is to have a tick bite. In Iowa, we usually deal with […]
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Planning a Switchgrass Planting: Whitetails 365
Planning a Switchgrass Planting: Whitetails 365 A switchgrass planting (warm season grass) is the fastest way I know of to create a visual barrier or security cover. And unlike other plantings, it is long lasting. A switchgrass planting can last for many years, is relatively maintenance free once established, and is fairly inexpensive to establish. […]
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Habitat and Hunting Tools Wishlist: Whitetails 365
Habitat and Hunting Tools Wishlist: Whitetails 365 I know the season isn’t over quite yet, but I’m already looking forward to next year once December comes around. Not that I don’t have big plans most years for late season hunting, but because I’m always looking forward to improve for next year. It’s the exciting thing […]
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Early Tactics for Full Buckets
Early Tactics for Full Buckets Once the calendar turns to November, anglers in the Ice Belt begin praying for several sub-freezing days and nights to get that first sold ice on fishable waters. Here on the Iowa Great Lakes that can be early as Thanksgiving but most usually around the middle of December. Now that […]
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Another Bass Season in Iowa
Another Bass Season in Iowa The 2020 bass fishing season was a long one this year. The ice melted away rather quickly in March opening up lakes all over the state by St. Patrick’s Day. This gave the spring bite a kick-start as the year began. Those anxiously waiting to chase down some big spring […]
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