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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Habitat for the Birds Comparing Pheasant Hunting Opportunities: South Dakota Public or Iowa Private

Comparing Pheasant Hunting Opportunities: South Dakota Public or Iowa Private

Comparing Pheasant Hunting Opportunities: South Dakota Public or Iowa Private Ace worked the fence line with ever-increasing zest, confident in his nose, he zig-zagged through the switchgrass as we moved further into the field trying to decipher the scent. Finally, it seemed the trail went cold and Ace was again looking for the essence of […]

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Successful Iowa Duck Hunting

Successful Iowa Duck Hunting

Successful Iowa Duck Hunting Long at last, waterfowl season is upon us once again. This is a time of year that I have cherished since my early years as a hunter and something that reignites the excitement and passion, no different than October 1st for the bow guys and gals, or that first step into […]

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Fall Fishing in Iowa Finicky Fishing

Finicky Fishing

Finicky Fishing August in Iowa can be quickly summed up in one word…hot! July has come and gone and average temps have been hovering around the mid 80’s, August continues the trend and even throws in a few 90 degree days. By now surface water temperatures on area lakes have reached 75 – 80 degrees […]

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Iowa's Hidden Gem: Water Trails

Iowa’s Hidden Gem: Water Trails

Iowa’s Hidden Gem: Water Trails Iowans are blessed with some of the richest and abundant fishing, hunting, hiking, boating and canoeing opportunities in the country. We can cross this state from north to south, east to west in about four hours. Any activity you’d like to participate in is easily accessible in a short drive. […]

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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.