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The Iowa Sportsman April 2026

In the April 2026 Issue of the Iowa Sportsman

Thank you for picking up the April issue of The Iowa Sportsman. Spring is finally here in Iowa, and with it comes some of the best days of the year to be outside. Whether you’re chasing gobblers at sunrise, casting a line into warming water, hiking a favorite trail, searching for those first morels, or simply enjoying time around a campfire with family, this season reminds us why we love the Iowa outdoors so much.

This month’s issue is packed with great information to help you make the most of the spring. If you’re looking for places to explore, be sure to check out our Iowa tourism map highlighting hidden gems across the state that are perfect for spring and summer adventures.

For sporting dog owners, Kyle Dana shares some helpful tips in our Shooting Corner covering simple training exercises that can help keep your dog sharp and ready for the field. Noel Gandy dives into the world of shed hunting, explaining how those antlers can reveal a lot about the deer in your area.

Fishing season is heating up, and Geoff Taylor highlights some of the Best Places for Early Season Open Water in Iowa. He also takes readers along for a great spring adventure in his article about springtime river fishing, a multi-species story that shows just how much action our rivers can offer this time of year.

Safety is always important, and this issue includes a helpful reminder about Gun Range Safety, along with an article titled, Keeping Kids Engaged while Turkey Hunting, encouraging the next generation to get involved in one of spring’s most exciting outdoor traditions.

If you’ve ever dreamed about adding water to your property, Lane Rummelhart walks readers through the process in Building a Pond to Hold More Wildlife. Fishermen and women will also enjoy Ben Leal’s breakdown of Pre-Spawn Bass. He shares tips to help you connect with fish during one of the most exciting times of the year. Turkey season is just around the corner, so don’t miss our Turkey Gear Buyer’s Guide to help you make sure you’re ready for opening morning.

We have some great gear from some reputable companies to get you off to a good turkey season. Lastly, if you’re thinking about planting habitat this year, Cole Rozendaal shares insights into What Makes a Great Food Plot and how the right planning can make all the difference. We hope this issue gives you a few new ideas, a little inspiration, and maybe even a reason to try something new outdoors this spring.

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The Iowa Sportsman March 2026

In this issue of The Iowa Sportsman March 2026

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The Iowa Sportsman February 2026

In This Issue of The Iowa Sportsman February 2026

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