The Iowa Sportsman August 2025
In this Issue of The Iowa Sportsman August 2025:
- 5 Low Tech Hacks for Soft Plastics and Bass
- Fall Fishing in Iowa
- Dove Opener Countdown
- Unlocking the Secrets of Extended-Range Accuracy
- The Status of Mountain Lions in Iowa
- Saddle Hunting for those who Say they Never will
- Optimal Stand Placement
- The Triton Buck – A Rut Story
- Get Your Weapon Ready for Deer Season
Here is our Editor’s Statement for this month
Dear readers,
Welcome to the August issue of The Iowa Sportsman! As we enter the true dog days of summer, there are still some exciting opportunities here in our great state of Iowa. If you like to sweat, be sure to stop by The Iowa State Fair starting August 7th. While there, don’t forget to swing into the air-conditioned Varied Industries building to see us at The Iowa Sportsman booth. We’d love for you to stop in to renew your subscription and chat with us about your outdoor adventures from the previous year. We always love to hear from our readers in person and connect with you about your experiences.
Don’t forget, Whitetail season is just around the corner. Be sure to check out the Whitetail 365 department this month as I go more in-depth on getting ready for deer season. This includes everything from getting your firearms sighted in with the correct optics and ammunition to getting those bows tuned and everything sighted in for archery season. There’s still plenty of time to prepare, so please don’t wait until the last minute to make changes. Stop in and see your local pro shops if you need any adjustments. This could include your bow setup or just looking to restock your arrows for the year. You owe it to both the animal and yourself to be as competent a shooter as you can be.
For all you wing shooters, dove season starts September 1st. Make sure to get the shotgun out of the safe and start busting some clays! A little more practice never hurt anyone, it’s a great time to introduce a youth to shooting a shotgun. The weather isn’t cold, providing plenty of time for safely introducing youth to our great sport. If you have some free time, consider taking a trip up to the driftless region of NE Iowa for some cool water trout fishing. This area is loaded with breathtaking scenery and provides some fantastic trout action. This area is also a great place to camp and hike, so think about taking the family up there for a long weekend. You will not be disappointed by the natural beauty and outdoor opportunities!
This is also a great time of the year to pull up on one of the many sandbars in Iowa’s rivers to do some night catfishing. I grew up camping the shores of the Des Moines River with friends, fishing channel catfish from dusk till dawn. There’s nothing quite like sitting by a campfire, sipping on a cold one (when I was a bit older), and waiting to hear the familiar ring of a bell on my fishing rod, letting me know another channel catfish has taken the bait. It’s a truly classic Iowa outdoor experience.
I would also like to announce the newest member of our writing staff, Scott Reed, from Spirit Lake, Iowa. He is an encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to fishing, having been in the business for a long time. I’ve known Scott for quite a few years, and he has taught me many things about fishing and the fishing industry. I strongly encourage you to check out his editorial this month on “Bass Hacks” and look for any other upcoming articles he pens in The Iowa Sportsman. He will definitely teach you a few things when it comes to fishing techniques and insights.
Remember to support all our advertisers in The Iowa Sportsman and let them know where you were introduced to their products! I look forward to seeing you at the state fair this year, and good luck out in the field or on the water. Stay safe, and please consider introducing a youth to the wonders of the outdoors.
GOD BLESS.
Aaron McKinney
Publisher
The Iowa Sportsman
Here is last month’s issue check it out!
Or if you are looking for our Cattle/Dairy side of things
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