Prep for Deer Season 2026 Now
Prep for Deer Season 2026 Now
Deer season 2025 seems like a distant memory at this point. What we longed for in anticipation has changed to a new longing: deer season 2026! Until then, there are quite a few deer-related activities that can keep us especially busy as we pass the time and pursue whitetails 365.
First off: the Iowa Deer Classic. This year’s edition of the Deer Classic takes place in the capital, as usual, during the March 6-8 weekend. Here you’ll find all things hunting, big buck scoring, and conservation that you can stand. What a weekend!
Analyze What You Observed
For me, February is just the worst when it comes to the whitetail calendar. The reason being, the season is over, but the majority of the Bucks still have their headgear. Likewise, deer often congregate in various areas into superherds that do not reflect their normal territory as they are in search of food remnants. Seeing this herd mentality can give a false sense of hope for the future, or a very bleak outlook if your spot is not the meeting grounds. However, I hope you paid close attention to where you were seeing those bucks last month, because starting now and into April, you will be wanting to find those things that were left behind. Namely, sheds!
Find Those Sheds
While we will not deep dive into shed hunting, I will say that the first or second week of March is usually a pretty good launching point for finding sheds. #shedrally #milesforpiles
When searching for shed antlers in Iowa, the best places to look are south-facing slopes and bedding areas where deer spend most of their time during the cold winter months to stay warm. You should also focus on well-worn deer trails that lead from heavy cover to food sources like standing cornfields or leftover soybean plots. Clover and alfalfa fields can be a good place to look too when the winters are mild like this year. Don’t underestimate food sources. Also, stop and take a look around at places deer could bed close to the food plot. I look for cedars and steep ditches close by. Finding the sheds can get you excited for next year. You’ll be able to see what deer made it through the season. Of course, they have to dodge cars, disease, and predators until opening day next year.
Scout!
One thing that I love about the month of March in regard to pre-planning for fall whitetails, is that you can still see leftover sign in the deer woods, as well as find dominant trails and access while the ground is still frozen. Because of the frozen nature of the ground, access to most areas can be achieved via vehicle, side-by-side/atv, or tractor (all on land that offers legal and approved access, of course). Usually, there is a pretty narrow window of time between snow melt and sloppy fields to be able to move vehicles and equipment around before planting season begins.
Move Stands and Blinds Now
I enjoy taking these times to move my bigger permanent style stands, take in heavier equipment that I do not want to carry (think chain saws and pole saws) once crops are planted, and move smaller stands and blinds with the help of a vehicle. The places I generally hunt are mostly permission so I tend to be super aware to try and not create any damage to fields. This time of year is great for moving around freely while keeping ruts and such at a minimum. Not to mention, while things are frozen, our Level B roads here in Iowa are accessible. This helps with getting into some tougher spots as well.
I mentioned that I like to move the stands this month. That might seem a little strange, but the reason is I still have a pretty fresh memory of this past deer season of where I want to get things moved, and generally, March is quite a bit less intrusive of a time in the landscape. I like to go ahead and trim shooting lanes and access paths while I still remember! Nothing is green at this point, so that fact can make the task just a touch easier in my opinion. A word of caution, though: don’t overdo it! I trim for March and not for October. I would rather be a little more cautious in my trimming and have to make minor adjustments once things green out than I would have to scalp the landscape.
Whether it is moving blinds, trimming out shooting lanes, or shed hunting, I encourage you to be very intentional to scout while you are making intrusion. I try to be very mindful of where I notice old scrapes, rubs, and crossings any time that I am in the woods. This time of year, while you’re there making all that commotion, is a great time to gather intel. Think back on past experiences. Why did that buck cross that ridge twice this past season while you were out hunting? Well, go and check it out. It is surprising what you learn.
Thank The Landowners
Earlier, I mentioned that I hunt mostly by permission. I utilize this time of year to thank those who gave permission and reestablish the connection for the next year. I have found that taking some time to appreciate those who are so gracious to me goes a really long way. I’ll often share photos, meat, and stories of how much that property meant to me. Then, I’ll go ahead and see what permission is available for the coming year. Never assume permission. That is likely the best advice I could ever give when it comes to utilizing someone else’s ground.
Rest
Other things I generally like to do in March include some coyote hunting, traveling to turkey hunt, honey-do’s, and REST! Outdoor Life recently published an article that said, “Quit expecting every hunter to be so hardcore. We need casual hunters, too,” and I tend to agree. If, after reading all of this, you think, “This is just too much!” then by all means take time just to reflect on what was and look forward to what is to come. I’m an advocate of letting people know that my way is not the only way. This is just what I enjoy and how I pass time. It’s an outlet. I hope you find yours!
March 2026
By Noel Gandy
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