The Art of Persuasion: Deer Scents, Rattles, and Bleats 
The Art of Persuasion: Deer Scents, Rattles, and Bleats 

The Art of Persuasion: Deer Scents, Rattles, and Bleats In the 80’s, my father and grandfather were “entry-level” deer hunters.  They had been invited to begin hunting a timber here in central Iowa that had a steady population of deer.  In their efforts to learn more regarding the tactics to use to fool a wise old whitetail, my grandfather and father would douse their boots with fox urine!  It was an effort to hide human scent when they were in the woods.  It goes without saying that those boots were not allowed in the house, ever! There is no doubt […]

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Preparing for Turkey Season

Prepping for Turkey Season

Prepping for Turkey Season Few things on this earth compare to hearing the gobble of a tom in the early morning as the sun begins to rise. The air tingles with anticipation, the woods hushed in the pre-dawn light. Soon, the forest will erupt with the thunderous gobbles of a strutting tom, his challenge echoing […]

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The Value of Quality Turkey Gear

The Value of Quality Turkey Gear

The Value of Quality Turkey Gear Choosing quality gear isn’t just about bragging rights; it’s about investing in your hunting experience and ensuring success. It means less frustration, more comfort, and ultimately, a better chance of ethical harvests and lasting memories. By prioritizing quality materials, construction, and performance, you equip yourself with the tools needed […]

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Owning a Pointer

Owning a Pointer: From Field to Family

Owning a Pointer: From Field to Family I did something I thought I’d never do. Seven years ago, I called a friend and asked him to tell me more about his hunting dog. I was watching him grow up on Facebook and watched him become successful in the field. He went on to say a […]

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Exploring the Iowa Walleye Challenge

Exploring the Iowa Walleye Challenge: In Pursuit of the Prize

Exploring the Iowa Walleye Challenge: In Pursuit of the Prize The previous two spring fishing seasons, anglers across the state of Iowa have participated in a citizen science project known as the Iowa Walleye Challenge. The IWC is a virtual fishing tournament through the MyCatch app. What started as an app to record a diary […]

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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.