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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Preparing for Turkey Season Providing Hope Through the Outdoors

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

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.