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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Check Out Our Current Issue!

The Triton Buck – a Rut Story 

The Triton Buck – a Rut Story 

The Triton Buck – a Rut Story  “What is your favorite time of year?” this question has rang out many times throughout my life. I’ve had the same answer since I was 10 years old—late October/early November, aka the rut. I have been fortunate enough to experience many incredible moments from a tree stand this […]

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Optimal Stand Placement

Optimal Stand Placement

Optimal Stand Placement  As one season of hunting ends, most hunters begin to think of the next season within a few short days.  That’s just what hunters do.  It’s built-in.  We are always looking ahead to the next hunt, the next season, the next opportunity to do the same thing all over again! Moreover, within […]

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Saddle Hunting For Those Who Say They Never Will 

Saddle Hunting For Those Who Say They Never Will 

Saddle Hunting for Those Who Say They Never Will  “I’m all about mobile hunting, but I ain’t wearing a diaper.” This is a statement I once heard on a hunting podcast and the sentiment stuck with me as I watched other hunters on TV and YouTube channels who included saddles in their mobile hunting setup. […]

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The Status of Mountain Lions in Iowa 

The Status of Mountain Lions in Iowa 

The Status of Mountain Lions in Iowa  The definition of an enigma is a person or a thing that is mysterious, puzzling or difficult to understand. Perhaps one of the greatest enigmas Iowans puzzle over is the mountain lion’s population within our borders at any one time. From local coffee shop banter all the way […]

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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.