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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Wastewater Fort Dodge Des Moines

Wastewater discharge in Fort Dodge reaches Des Moines River

Wastewater discharge in Fort Dodge reaches Des Moines River Article courtesy of Iowa Department of Natural Resources MEDIA CONTACT: Jeremy Klatt, DNR, at 641-425-8042, or Jeremy.Klatt@dnr.iowa.gov DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a wastewater discharge at the City of Fort Dodge in Webster County. On August 28, the DNR Field […]

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Safety Reminders for Iowa Hunting Season Kids First Hunting Trip

How to Make Your Child’s First Hunt a Success

Your Child’s Premier Outing What to think about and consider before you go So the time is finally here! You’re thinking the kids are old enough to go on their first hunt or fishing trip. Or so you hope! Just remember, their first experience might make or break any future times in the timber. If […]

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Should you Hunt in a Tree Sadd;e

Should you Hunt in Tree Saddles

Should you Hunt in Tree Saddles Tree saddles have become a popular choice for hunters seeking a more mobile and versatile way to get elevated in the woods. Here’s a breakdown of their advantages and disadvantages, along with a look at traditional tree stand setups for comparison. Why Hunters Choose Tree Saddles One of the […]

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Taxidermy Field Tips for Better Mounts The Dangers with Being too Good

Taxidermy Field Tips for Better Mounts

Taxidermy Field Tips for Better Mounts Undoubtedly, over a lifetime of angling or hunting, you will haul in that trophy. That could be a once-in-a-lifetime fish, or a giant whitetail buck will fall to your arrow. It could be your first turkey or the first for your son or daughter. Or it could be something […]

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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.