Reflections on Deer Season
Reflections on Deer Season

Reflections on Deer Season Hunting season, for us, is more than just chasing whitetails or birds; it’s our escape button. It gives us a much-needed chance for escape and an opportunity to connect with God, nature, as well as friends and family. Hunting is how we finally slow down, take a solid break from the office grind, and ditch the electronics. My first memories in the timber aren’t solitary, they’re crowded. I learned the ropes by tagging along with Dad, Grandpa, and the uncles. Those hunts were memorable, and some I wish to relive. They’re full of crunching boots, and […]

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January ice tactics

JANUARY ICE TACTICS 

JANUARY ICE TACTICS  January in Iowa is best described by one word…cold. Average temperatures will range from highs in the low 30’s, dipping to 6 degrees by morning. Ice still dominates lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Ice fishing remains the mainstay for going after crappie, bluegill, perch, and walleye.  SAFETY FIRST  As any ice angler knows, […]

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Ice Fishing Destinations in Iowa 

Ice Fishing Destinations in Iowa

Ice Fishing Destinations in Iowa  The ice cracked beneath my boots as I took my first step onto the frozen lake, the sound echoing across the quiet winter landscape. My daughter had been excited about this trip all week, as it would be her first time ice fishing, and I was secretly just as eager […]

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How to Process Deer Meat

How to Process Deer Meat

How to Process Deer Meat Processing Equipment  For many deer hunters, the experience of the hunt goes beyond the thrill of the chase and extends into feeding ourselves and our families. Venison is a prized staple in hunters’ diets, and can be enjoyed in many forms throughout the year. From jerky and burgers to roasts […]

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Steps for Maintaining Firearms Long-Term 

Steps for Maintaining Firearms Long-Term 

  Steps for Maintaining Firearms Long-Term    As hunters hang up their gear and reflect on the memories of another successful season, it’s essential to turn our attention to the crucial task of caring for our firearms. Cleaning and storing your guns correctly is not just a matter of maintenance; it’s a responsibility that ensures […]

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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. 

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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.