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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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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.