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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

Last Month’s Issue can be Found Below:

The Iowa Sportsman January 2026

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Iowa Sportsman February 2025

In This Issue of The Iowa Sportsman February 2025

Here is our Editor’s Statement for this issue

Thank you for picking up the February issue of “The Iowa Sportsman”. We are closing the door on winter and starting to focus on spring. This month, we explore the many opportunities this time of year offers, whether you’re enjoying the outdoors, honing your skills, or preparing for the seasons ahead.

In this month’s feature article, “Iowa Winter Wonderland”, we showcase the thrills of skiing, snowshoeing, winter camping, hiking, and sledding. From serene snow-covered trails to adrenaline-pumping slopes, Iowa transforms into a playground for outdoor enthusiasts during the colder months. Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or a beginner looking for new activities, this piece will inspire you to embrace winter’s magic.

For the hunters among us, preparation doesn’t stop when hunting seasons close. Kyle Dana brings us a helpful guide on training your dog to shed hunt. If you’ve ever wanted to turn your loyal companion into a partner for finding shed antlers, this article is a must-read. Kyle shares practical advice for building your dog’s skills and confidence in this rewarding off-season pursuit. Speaking of sheds, Kent Boucher’s article, about finding shed antlers, dives into the art of locating and finding those antlers. Shed hunting is more than just a hobby; it’s a chance to find out which bucks made it through the season and learn about deer patterns.

For those already dreaming of spring and summer projects, Aaron McKinney’s comprehensive three-page feature on food plot planning will help you start your preparations now. He shares actionable tips on choosing the right seeds, designing plots for maximum impact, and creating the perfect habitat to attract and sustain wildlife throughout the year. This in-depth guide is perfect for anyone ready to enhance their hunting property.

Anglers will want to check out Ben Leal’s article, Upgrading Your Fishing Rods & Reels. Now is the perfect time to evaluate your gear and make upgrades for a successful fishing season. Ben’s advice will help you understand what to look for in your next setup, whether you’re replacing worn-out equipment or stepping up your game.

Kyle Dana has another article in our shooting corner. “Target Shooting Must-Haves” is packed with essential gear and tips for making the most of your time at the range.

Kent Boucher also brings us another delicious installment of wild game cooking. His recipes and techniques make it easy to turn your harvest into mouthwatering meals that your family and friends will love.

Finally, Donnie Acheson’s insightful comparison of thermal and infrared optics explores the advantages and limitations of each technology from a practical stand-point. He also offers some advice about getting your first night-coyote hunting optics.

We hope this issue of The Iowa Sportsman inspires you to make the most of Iowa’s winter season and prepare for the adventures ahead. Thank you for joining us!

Here is next month’s Issue of the Iowa Sportsman: March 2025

The Iowa Sportsman March 2025

Or if you are looking for last month’s issue, check it out here –

Iowa Sportsman January 2025

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Iowa Sportsman January 2025

In This Issue of the Iowa Sportsman January 2o25

Here is our Editors statement for this issue

Happy New Year Iowa sportsmen and women! As we close out the 2024 hunting season, we pause a moment to reflect on the past hunting seasons that are winding up. We hope these final weeks bring you rewarding moments in the field, and hang on to those memories made. For those of you that are just getting started, like our ice fishers and predator hunters, good luck! We wish you a safe, fun-filled season ahead. Iowa’s frozen lakes and rivers offer unmatched experiences, and we look forward to hearing tales of your winter catches. Share pictures of your hunts, fishing, and outdoor adventures with us.

This month, we’re excited to bring you articles to enhance every aspect of your outdoor pursuits. Dive into “Family Friendly Ice Destinations,” perfect for planning outings with loved ones, and take on the snow with Kyle Dana’s Gundog Corner where he shares “Tips for Hunting in the Snow.” For those already looking forward to next deer season, Aaron McKinney has put together a comprehensive planning guide for 2025. It’s easy to fall behind, so get your plan together now. Ben Leal covers must-try “January Ice Tactics,” while Shannon Rivers explores predator hunting in the depths of winter.

Other highlights include an update on CWD from Catherine Cummings, expert advice on muzzleloader loads from Ryan Graden, and practical tips on timber stand improvement from Lane Rumelhart. Plus, if you’re considering habitat work, our article on prescribed burning will walk you through its benefits for native warm-season grasses (NWSG). Our staff, have selected some of their favorite picks for this month’s Buyer’s Guide on processing equipment.

Here’s to a great start to 2025 and to making memories in the great outdoors.