Iowa Sportsman
The Lifelong Thrill of Trap & Skeet
The Lifelong Thrill of Trap & Skeet I first started shooting trap with family and friends when I was about 10 to 12 years old. My family was pretty patient, allowed me to “cheat” and shoulder my 12 gauge before yelling “pull”. When I powdered a clay, we celebrated together. When I was in high […]
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Go-To May Lures
Go-To May Lures May marks the peak of bass and crappie activity in Iowa as they enter their spawning season. Crappie are a favorite for Iowans, and they are one of the best tasting fish you can catch in our lakes. Targeting these fish requires specific tactics and lures. Put in some time on the […]
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Best Iowa Destinations for Trophy Fish
Best Iowa Destinations for Trophy Fish Bass, walleye, and crappie are all favorite species for Iowa anglers to target. We’ve picked some of our favorite Iowa destinations for anyone fishing for these species. Large Mouth Bass One of our picks for the best bass location is Clear Lake. This 3,600 acre lake in north-central Iowa […]
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Turning Target Practice into Fun
Turning Target Practice into Fun Shooting can be a fantastic activity that combines focus, skill, and a healthy dose of competition. When having someone new introduced to guns, it’s best to make it as fun as an experience as you can for them. Safety First Our journey to shooting fun starts with an unwavering commitment […]
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Take a Kid Fishing
Take a Kid Fishing Fishing has been a huge part of my life from a very early age. I can remember begging my dad to take me fishing on the weekends. He worked six days a week, church on Sunday mornings, but I just knew a father of seven kids wanted to take us fishing […]
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Management for a Thriving Deer Season in 2024: Whitetails 365
Management for a Thriving Deer Season in 2024: Whitetails 365 In May, a lot of Iowa Sportsmen shift their focus from deer to turkey and fishing. However, for some of us, we are always planning and doing what we can for the upcoming deer season. There are some things you can do to help your […]
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Spring Mushrooms to Forage in Iowa
Spring Mushrooms to Forage in Iowa When spring rolls around and temperatures start increasing, Iowa foragers become excited knowing that soon spring mushrooms will be popping up in our Iowa timbers. Here are a few you may expect to see: Morels One of the first mushrooms to begin growing in Iowa are morel mushrooms. If […]
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May Fishing Tips
May Fishing Tips Probably my most, favorite time to fish is in early spring. It is a new reason to get outside and see a new side of nature that you have missed since last year, and don’t realize it until you’re standing in it. Now is the time to pack a cooler with the […]
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Getting Youth Involved in Turkey Hunting
Getting Youth Involved in Turkey Hunting I remember sitting in the timber, listening to the song birds wake up and the first gobbles begin. At this time, I was a young hunter, and I just was so excited to get to hunt or to tag along with my dad or uncles turkey hunting. Even though […]
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Catching Pre-Spawning & Spawning Fish
Catching Pre-Spawning & Spawning Fish May in Iowa… winter has all but lost its grip, and we’re beginning to enjoy some incredible weather. It also brings with it the spring spawning period for a variety of fish. Temperatures in May will range from highs in the upper 60s to the mid-70s, with lows ranging from […]
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