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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September Whitetail Hunting Prep

Whitetails 365: September – Setting the Trap for Success

Whitetails 365: September – Setting the Trap for Success I’ve always wanted to be a trapper; running the trap line on vast amounts of acreage. The anticipation or waiting game after setting the trap…what could be waiting for me around the next bend as my set comes into view would be exhilarating! Well, maybe someday […]

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Neighborhood Whitetail Deer Management

Whitetails 365: Neighborhood Blues

Whitetails 365: Neighborhood Blues This month, I am responding to a question concerning dealing with neighbors and trying to set up a management program in the neighborhood. Brady from Davis county asks, “For several years now, I have been trying to get my neighbors to agree on a management strategy of shooting less smaller bucks. […]

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Whitetails 365 Archery Gear/Tactics

Whitetails 365: Questions about Archery Gear/Tactics

Whitetails 365: Questions about Archery Gear/Tactics This month, I am responding to multiple questions I’ve been saving up from numerous hunters writing in with similar questions about gear and tactics. I’ve been saving them up because they are all archery related questions and season opener is coming up. A Single or Multiple Pins I’ve received […]

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Things to Consider When Purchasing a Crossbow

What to Consider When Purchasing a Crossbow We are fortunate to be able to live and hunt world-class whitetails in the state of Iowa. A few things contribute to the trophy class deer such as agriculture production, wildlife research, and hunting rules and regulations set by the Iowa DNR. The state of Iowa has done […]

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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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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.