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The Iowa Sportsman February 2026
In This Issue of The Iowa Sportsman February 2026
- Midwest Show Season
- Iowa’s Hunting and Shooting Preserves
- Five Easy Tips to Find More Antlers
- Engaging the Next Generation
- Reflecting of a Productive Season: Whitetails 365
- What is Tip-Up Ice Fishing?
- Early Spring Trout Fishing
- Picking a New Pup
Publisher’s Statement
Thank you for picking up the February issue of The Iowa Sportsman. For hunters these next few months we are going through a hunting withdrawal, but not to fear there are several great options to curb your appetite for the call of CRP fields, tree stands and duck blinds. It’s SHOW Season across the USA. The Iowa Sportsman team will be out at both the Iowa Deer Classic and National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic. These shows are fun to attend. Whether you’re bringing antlers to be scored at the Iowa Deer Classic in Des Moines or talking habitat at the National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic in Minneapolis, make sure to stop by our booth.
We want to hear your stories from the past season, see the trail cam photos of the “one that got away,” and look at trophy pictures. It’s always a highlight of our year to connect with our readers face-to-face and share in the passion that drives us all. If you’re looking for other shows, Shannon Rivers has a great article and a graph to help you find some of the best shows in the Midwest.
If you find the need to keep chasing some upland birds this edition of The Iowa Sportsman’s County Spotlight column takes us on a tour of hunting upland hunting preserves across the state. Learn about the advantages these hidden gems have to offer, from extending seasons to additional dog training on target species.
For all you hardwater fisherman Jacob Dean takes it through tip-up fishing rigs and where and how to use them in “What is Tip-Up Fishing?” With hard water still dominating the northern half of the state, it’s the perfect time to try a new technique and maximize your time on the ice. Good luck, anglers!
Kyle Dana, who is a long-time Lab & Small Munsterlander breeder near Grinnell, IA, gives us some pointers on picking out your next hunting dog. The Gundog Corner breaks down whether there really is a “secret” to picking the right puppy, covering everything from bloodlines to temperament assessment. Finding a reliable partner in the field starts with making the right choice now.
For our deer hunters patiently waiting until the 2026 season opens, now is the time to reflect on your last season, make a plan for 2026, and make those upgrades as you need them. In our Whitetail 365 column, Noel Gandy helps us analyze the importance of “Reflecting on a Productive Season.” Understanding what worked and what didn’t is the first step toward improving next fall. Additionally, this time of year the antlers are shedding. Make the most out of your time and read our tips for “Five Easy Tips to Find More Antlers” by Shannon Rivers.
I will give you some of my thoughts to ponder about cellular trail cameras. Are they a good fit for you? I cover the pros and cons, helping you decide if the technology aligns with your hunting strategy. Lastly,planting spring food plots is just around the corner. Make sure to check out the 2026 Buyers Guide – Food Plot Edition. Get a head start on your food plot planning with the latest in seed and equipment, ensuring a successful growing season that pays off when the season opens.
As the late winter chill persists, we encourage you to use this time to prepare, plan, and connect with fellow sportsmen. The days are getting longer, and spring is just over the horizon. Until then, stay warm and we’ll see you at the shows!
God Bless
Aaron McKinney
Publisher
Last Month’s Issue can be Found Below:
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Previous Issues
The Iowa Sportsman January 2026
The Iowa Sportsman January 2026
- Late Winter Gun Dog Care
- Ice Fishing for Muskie in the Iowa Great Lakes
- Winter Wonderland in Iowa
- Guide to Shooting your Muzzleloader in Cold Temperatures
- Late Season Hail Mary: Whitetails365
- Avoid These Mistakes Made by Beginning Coyote Trappers
- Hunting Late Season Roosters
- Ice Fishing Rivers in Iowa
- Reflections on Deer Hunting
Last month’s Issue can be found below:
If you are looking for Cattle or Dairy Industry news here are some of the leading providers for Industry news.
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Iowa Sportsman December 2025
In this issue of the Iowa Sportsman December 2025
- Iowa CWD & EHD Update 2025
- 5 Reasons to Ice Fish in Minnesota
- Essential Gear for Iowa Ice Fishermen
- A December Pheasant Hunt in Iowa
- Sight in Your Deer Rifle
- Safety Reminders for a Responsible Iowa Hunting Season
- Must-Have Equipment for Iowa Acreages
- Patience, Precision, and Power
- Raccoon Calling 101: Sounds, Setups, and Strategies
- 3 Killer Tactics for Hunting Iowa’s Gun Seasons: Whitetails 365
- Hooked on Ice: The Irresistible Allure of Devils Lake
Iowa Sportsman November 2025
In This Issue of The Iowa Sportsman November 2025
- Bowhunting Strategies For November
- Field Strategy for You and Your Dog
- Early Ice Fishing Tactics
- Hunting Blind Accessories That Make a Difference
- Iowa Public Land Hunting
- Leveraging Weather Fronts for Waterfowl
- 2025 Iowa Pheasant Outlook
- Deer Recovery – Increase Your Odds for Success
- The Whitetail Rut in Iowa: Whitetails365
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The Iowa Sportsman October 2025
In this issue of the Iowa Sportsman October 2025
- 5 Easy Mistakes to Make Fly Fishing for Trout in the Fall
- 10 Beginner Tips for Hunting Iowa Geese
- Deer Scents and Lures
- Early October Hunting Strategies
- Training your Dog to Blood-trail Deer
- Planning a Weeklong Pheasant Trip
- Shooting Optics for the Iowa Hunter
- Top 10 Bowhunting Destinations
- Whitetails 365: Mastering Scent Control
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The Iowa Sportsman September 2025
In this Issue of The Iowa Sportsman September 2025:
- The Art of Persuasion
- Techniques: Catching Small Mouth Bass
- Fly Fishing Mistakes to Avoid
- Get Ready for Pheasant Season
- Fishing Iowa: Fall Fishing, What to Target, What to Use
- White Tails 365: Early Season Advantage
- Gun Dog Corner: Premier Gundog Gear
- Waterfowl: Where to Hunt in Iowa
Here is our Editor’s Statement for this month
Greetings Sportsmen and Sportswomen,
The time of year that all hunters and fishermen eagerly await is almost here! Shorter days and colder evenings can only mean one thing: fall is nearly upon us here in Iowa.
For all you bowhunters, I hope your broadheads are tuned, food plots are planted, and your tree stands and shooting lanes are checked and ready. Waterfowl hunters will be out on September 6th chasing teal, and dove hunters will be set up on the edge of sunflower fields September 1st, shooting passing doves. These early seasons are a fantastic way to enjoy hunting migrating birds without freezing and to get your lead dialed in for the other bird hunting seasons when they open. Don’t miss this month’s articles on dove hunting by Jessica Graham, waterfowl hunting Iowa by Shannon Rivers, and tree-stand safety by Jacob Dean. These editorials offer valuable insights and tips to help you kick off these early fall seasons.
As we head into fall, it’s worth noting that this is arguably the best time of year to fish in Iowa! Fish are actively feeding before the water cools and ice begins to form. Smallmouth and walleye, along with many other species, can be particularly active as water temperatures drop. Essentially, whatever you like to fish for will be on the bite. For some great tips to help you hook more fish this fall, be sure to check out Scott Reed’s smallmouth editorial and Ben Leal’s fall fishing Iowa editorial in the September issue of The Iowa Sportsman.
Last month, I mentioned opportunities available to Iowans during the late summer months. I took my own advice and headed to Northeast Iowa to fish while waiting for a client meeting. Even though the streams were cloudy from the rain and conditions weren’t optimal, that was not going to deter me. As the saying goes, “A day of bad fishing is still better than a good day at work,” and I had a great time. I caught four rainbows in a couple of hours and waded through some beautiful country in the Driftless Region of Iowa. Afterward, I stopped by the Iowa State Trout Hatchery in Decorah.
I highly recommend visiting if you have a few minutes; seeing the huge broodstock is very entertaining. I highly recommend heading up to NE Iowa if you have a free day or weekend. It’s a great area with a lot of friendly people. There are many streams up in this area, so do a little research before you go. If you would like to try fly fishing while trout fishing up in the Driftless Region, Ben Leal has a great editorial this month on fly fishing for trout.
So, as we start to slide into early fall, make sure you are prepared for whatever outdoor activity you enjoy doing. Remember you owe it to any animal you hunt to be as ethically proficient as possible with your weapon of choice. Enjoy your time in the field or on the water this fall and get as many involved in our great Iowa outdoors as you can.
Make sure to check out this month’s trophy room salute to whitetail and don’t forget to look for the missing antler in this issue of THE IOWA SPORTSMAN!!!!!
Till next time, be kind and always pay it forward!!!!
God Bless.
Aaron
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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: Whitetails 365
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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