Early Spring Trout Fishing
Early Spring Trout Fishing

Early Spring Trout Fishing Spring in Northeast Iowa’s Driftless Region marks the beginning of one of the most rewarding trout fishing seasons in the Midwest. This is one of the prettiest areas in Northern Iowa marked with limestone bluffs, spring-fed creeks, and rolling pastures. The Driftless Region contains a several cold, clear streams that flow steadily year-round. This creates perfect trout habitat, and spring offers fishermen peaceful days on the water. With stable water temperatures, increasing insect activity, and hungry post-winter trout, there’s no better time to explore these legendary streams. Why The Driftless Region? This region is a trout […]

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Essential Equipment for Iowa Acreages

Essential Equipment for Iowa Acreages A few years ago, my husband and I finally made the move to a small acreage. Our property has about half pasture and half timber ground. We had big plans to transform it into a wildlife mecca. As an Iowan, it’s essential to have the right machinery and equipment to […]

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Is Trail Camera Technology Ethical

Is Trail Camera Technology Ethical: Whitetails 365

Is Trail Camera Technology Ethical: Whitetails 365 The use of trail cameras in hunting raises ethical considerations. Some argue that trail cameras can give hunters an unfair advantage, as they allow hunters to monitor game movement and behavior in a way that would not be possible without the camera. Another ethical consideration is the impact […]

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Tactics for Calling Shy Toms

Tactics for Calling Shy Toms This hunt is going to be over before even starts! One of the best feelings is when the tom in the tree a hundred yards in front of you is hammering at everything from songbirds to the soft tree yelps you are throwing at him. Ten minutes later, you hear […]

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Foraging for Iowa Mushrooms – A Hidden Treat

Foraging for Mushrooms – A Hidden Iowa Treat It dawned on me a few years ago that “hunting season” doesn’t have to end on January 10th every year here in Iowa. It’s true! Yes, most of the animals that we pursue as hunters are no longer legal to take, however, your “hunting” tactics can be […]

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Featured Story

Big Buck Profile: The 2025 Gandy Buck

Ok, this first big buck profile is a little self-serving in that it is of a buck that I personally took this past deer season. While it is likely not the “biggest” big buck that we will profile this year it is definitely one of my most special deer ever.

Turning a Dream into Reality

As has been noted in several articles since 2023, my family and I finally put together the means to purchase our very own piece of Iowa ground. “The 32,” as we call it, has become a passion project to see if we could take an unassuming piece of real estate and harvest a mature deer from there by giving him all he needs in the way of habitat. This year was the first year that the farm would be huntable in the state in which we intended due to construction projects over the past couple of seasons.

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Created By Iowans, For Iowans

The Iowa Sportsman website and magazine are Iowa’s only privately owned media sources catering to hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts here in Iowa. Simply put, we are unlike other Iowa outdoor media sources: All our staff is from Iowa, from our publisher to our writers. We actually follow through on what we advertise; we provide knowledgeable content from people who know the industry or sport discussed.