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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Three Panfish Lures for Iowa Ice Cold Water Fish Tactics In Search for Perch Iowa yellow bass fishing

Three Panfish Lures for Iowa Ice

Three Panfish Lures for Iowa Ice Ice fishing is not just a hobby for me, but a passion and a challenge. I enjoy testing different techniques, baits, and locations to find the best way to catch fish in any condition. One of the ways I have improved my ice fishing skills is by talking to […]

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Strategies for long-term gun storage

Strategies for Long-Term Gun Storage

Strategies for Long-Term Gun Storage As hunters hang up their gear and reflect on the memories of another successful season, it’s essential to turn our attention to the crucial task of caring for our firearms. Cleaning and storing your guns correctly is not just a matter of maintenance; it’s a responsibility that ensures the longevity […]

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The Basics of Gun Dog Obedience

The Basics of Gun Dog Obedience

The Basics of Gun Dog Obedience One of the number one questions people ask me when we’re talking about the puppy they are buying from me is, “When should I start training my pup?”. I quickly respond with, “Now” or “The moment you possess the pup”. Here are the Basics of gun dog obedience. Another […]

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Deer Processing 101

Deer Processing 101

Deer Processing 101 It was my first sit of the year with my bow, and I was fortunate enough to be sitting about 14 yards away from my dad in a single adder stand. As expected, the movement was slow, and only started an hour and a half before sunset. Seven does had meandered out […]

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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.