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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Freedom Rock Destinations

Freedom Rock Destinations

Freedom Rock Destinations With the original Freedom Rock, south of Interstate-80 off the Greenfield exit, Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II, strives to give Veterans a unique recognition. The idea was inspired by both Senator Grassley and journalist Kyle Munson. Sorensen has traveled the state of Iowa the past decade or so, to put a (smaller and […]

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2023-24 Iowa Whitetail Report

2023-24 Iowa Whitetail Report

2023 Iowa Whitetail Deer Report The 2023/2024 whitetail deer season would be considered by man to be nothing but ordinary. On opening day, October 1, 2023, central Iowa was greeted with an 88-degree day. That warm trend continued with high temps ranging from the 50s to the mid-70s. On the 27th of the month, the […]

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The Value of Local Archery Shops

The Value of Local Archery Shops

The Value of Local Archery Shops It may not seem like it but choosing the right place to buy archery equipment can be just as important as the bow you are buying. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the advantages and the value of local archery shops, particularly for beginners or those seeking a more personalized […]

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The Rise of Women Outdoors

The Rise of Women Outdoors

The Rise of Women in the Outdoors When I first started hunting 25 years ago, the landscape for women in the outdoors was vastly different. For instance, you didn’t see a lot of girls hunting. It for sure wasn’t the “cool” thing to do, and you had to be ready to face a bunch of […]

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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.