The Art of Persuasion: Deer Scents, Rattles, and Bleats 
The Art of Persuasion: Deer Scents, Rattles, and Bleats 

The Art of Persuasion: Deer Scents, Rattles, and Bleats In the 80’s, my father and grandfather were “entry-level” deer hunters.  They had been invited to begin hunting a timber here in central Iowa that had a steady population of deer.  In their efforts to learn more regarding the tactics to use to fool a wise old whitetail, my grandfather and father would douse their boots with fox urine!  It was an effort to hide human scent when they were in the woods.  It goes without saying that those boots were not allowed in the house, ever! There is no doubt […]

Read more

Check Out Our Current Issue!

Training a Gun Dog

Developing a Top Notch Gun Dog

  If someone asked, “Are you a patient person?” How would you answer them? Is patience something you value and work on? Is patience an attitude you choose? Webster defines patient as:  bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint, manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain, not hasty or impetuous, steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or […]

READ MORE

Improve Deer Hunting in Iowa

Deer Hunting in Iowa I recently had a conversation with Justin Synan (of Whitetail Addictions and The Run’n and Gun’n Podcast) about what it is like and how to improve, deer hunting in Iowa. We discussed how most of the state is in row cropped acres. Not really offering much in the way of whitetail […]

READ MORE
Basic Ice Fishing Gear for December Invest in Iowa Made

Invest in Iowa-Made

Invest in Iowa-Made  There’s something awesome about grabbing that perfect fishing rod, lure or jig, and it’s even better knowing it was someone’s dream and built by avid fishermen right here in our own state. Choosing to invest in Iowa-made tackle isn’t just about convenience; it’s an investment in your community, a nod to local […]

READ MORE
Fishing Traditions

Fishing Traditions

Fishing Traditions  When I was a kid, I was absolutely obsessed with fishing. My dad used to record episodes of “InFisherman” and “Babe Winkleman”, among others, on VHS tapes and I would watch them over and over again. The household laundry basket would be my pretend boat and I would fish around the house tackling […]

READ MORE

Featured Story

Iowa Public Land Hunting 

Every hunter wants to know where to go to harvest a great deer.  We often assume that there is some “honey hole” spot out there that a person can always go to and harvest a trophy year after year.  While having hope for that, we are always keeping our ears perked for that privileged information on where the best place to hunt would be.   

Now, let me ask you, if somebody had the perfect spot to hunt where they are harvesting trophy deer year after year, do you think that they would share that information with you?  Probably not.  Unless they are VERY gracious and kind.   

In this article, I will not share any “secret spots” with you who are reading.  Frankly, because I don’t have any secret spots to share!  However, I’ve lived in Iowa long enough to steer you to certain areas of our great state that might give you a great chance to fill a tag this fall and winter.  So let’s begin with some regions of the state to key into. 

READ FULL STORY

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.