Check Out Our Current Issue!
In the May 2026 Issue of the Iowa Sportsman
- Chase the Bite: Early Season
- Calming A Hyper Gun Dog
- Perfecting Your Turkey Setup
- Summer Work That Pays Off in Bow Season
- Artifact Hunting in Iowa
- Wild Edible Foraging
- Tactics for Late-Season Toms
- Iowa’s Venom, Oil and Toxic Sap
Click Here To View This Issue Now!
Catching Early Crappies
Catching Early Crappies The ice is long gone, the grass is turning green, and the birds are singing, all of these are signs for anglers to get out and go fishing. Walleyes, bass, catfish, and pike are fish that really come alive in early spring, but as we flip the calendars to April, panfish, especially […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
Featured Story
Springtime Panfish-Perch, Crappie, and Bluegill
Spring is in full swing here in Iowa, and what can be more pleasant a reminder than the sound of birds, the sight of flowers blooming, and the feel of a warm afternoon? I can think of at least one more thing…Panfish!
I can remember it like yesterday, our family would all meet up at the lake house. There was work to do. The yard was to be picked up, the cabin cleaned, and the dock had to be put in. But then, after the work was finished, it was time for all of us cousins to fish! We would all go out to the garage to pick out a few old rods and tie on a hook and sinker as best we could.
The next order of business was to hunt for worms. Flipping anything that we could find stuck in the ground in hopes of just finding a few crawlers. Once the bait was secured, we were ready to fish. We would go out on the dock and cast, vertical jig, and even troll along the side of the dock. We usually did pretty well use those tactics, but my all-time favorite was walking along the rocks on shore and dropping the bait down every little crevice, not knowing what was going to come up next.
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.
