Iowa Sportsman

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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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Tips for Prescribed Burning

Tips for Safe and Effective Prescribed Burning

Well Done: Tips for Safe and Effective Prescribed Burning In my experience, there are two universal truths when it comes to performing a prescribed burn: 1) if you do it long enough, you will have to call in support from the local volunteer fire department at some point, and 2) the fire department will get […]

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Time to Chase some Crappie Slabs

Time to Chase Some Slabs

Time to Chase Some Slabs As winter draws to a close and ice fishing ends, anglers begin looking toward open water. This is especially true for those searching for big slab crappies. Water temperature and timing are huge keys, and both can happen at different times throughout the Hawkeye state. Obviously, ice-out happens much sooner […]

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Turkey Taking Tips: From some “Not-so-Pro” Hunters! Reasons why you won't Harvest a Turkey this Year

Reasons why you won’t Harvest a Turkey this Year

Reasons why you won’t Harvest a Turkey this Year I’m already playing the hunt over and over in my mind. Knowing that in a few short months, I will be back in the timbers coaxing a big Iowa Eastern steadily towards me as he continues to thunder his call over and over in response to […]

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Creating a Thriving Deer Food Plot in the Timber

Creating A Thriving Deer Food Plot in the Timber: Whitetails 365 

Creating A Thriving Deer Food Plot in the Timber: Whitetails 365  As hunters, some of our favorite stands are in the timber, and most of us would rather be in the timber, right in the middle of a deer’s habitat. The crunchy fall leaves and the scent of acorns falling draw both hunter and deer. […]

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Exploring Iowa's Waterways Overlooked Fishing Destinations in Iowa

Exploring Iowa’s Waterways

Exploring Iowa’s Waterways Iowa, the “land of rolling hills and friendly smiles,” also boasts a hidden gem – a network of water trails waiting to be explored. These marked and maintained routes navigate rivers, lakes, and canals, offering paddlers, canoers, and other boaters a unique perspective on the state’s natural beauty and history. Whether you’re […]

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The Role of Non-Lethal Self-Defense in Personal Safety

The Role of Non-Lethal Self-Defense in Personal Safety In today’s world, the need for self-defense options has become increasingly relevant. While non-lethal alternatives are often sought after, it’s crucial to understand that each method comes with its own set of complexities. Exercising common sense and situational awareness are your best options to keep you as […]

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Habitat for the Birds Comparing Pheasant Hunting Opportunities: South Dakota Public or Iowa Private

Habitat for the Birds

Habitat for the Birds How was your pheasant and quail season? Great, mediocre, disappointing? If you were disappointed, I’m guessing, it’s because you only flushed a few birds or because you should’ve dusted off your wingshooting skills a little better before the season. Practicing with some clays in the offseason is up to you, but […]

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Catching Early Crappies

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 […]

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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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