Iowa Sportsman
Iowa’s Deer Hunting History
Iowa’s Deer Hunting History If these trees could talk, I am sure they could tell us of a history of Iowa that would amaze us! The animals that once used to be part of Iowa’s ecosystem, not only whitetail deer, but elk, bison, bear, wolves, mountain lions, and more! Where did they all go? Will […]
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The Evolution of Muzzleloader Hunting in Iowa
The Evolution of Muzzleloader Hunting in Iowa A group of does meandered their way through an open field past the edge of a tree line. They were now about 50 yards away from my Dad and me. One doe stopped broadside. I placed the crosshairs behind her shoulder, that’s where my Dad had been telling […]
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Yellow Bass: Iowans Hate to love Panfish
Yellow Bass: Iowans Hate to love Panfish Iowa has a love-hate relationship with the yellow bass. On one hand they’re plentiful, fun to catch and make delicious table fare. On the other hand, in many instances, they’re an invasive species and out-compete other panfish like crappies and bluegills…even largemouth bass. They are prolific breeders so […]
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The Cost of Getting into Ice Fishing
The Cost of Getting into Ice Fishing Last year’s pandemic was a boon for people heading to the outdoors. It was the one place that was safe. Fishing numbers and licenses in the state of Iowa were up by over 50 percent. Some were anglers getting back into the sport of fishing, while others were […]
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Importance of Harvesting Wisely
Importance of Harvesting Wisely Growing up, my deer hunting experiences consisted of the same group of guys gathering early at a farm for opening day of shotgun season. We’d plug in crock pots in the garage which would become the gathering area for the next four or five days as we hunted. A variety of […]
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On The Hunt For Quail
On The Hunt For Quail As my hunt for a covey came nearer to its conclusion, I noticed the sky beginning to clear to the west under the overcast blanket of clouds above me. Just then, the sun’s powerful rays peeked below the cloud line as it came closer to setting and merging with the […]
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What Would You Do? Bow Hunting Questions Answered
What Would You Do? Bow Hunting Questions Answered It is time for our annual questions and answers article geared around bow hunting here in Iowa. Normally we answer questions from our readers on hot topics in the deer hunting realm. For example a question we always get is “Should I hunt stand “X” before the […]
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Voyageurs National Park Is A Winter Wonderland
Voyageurs National Park Is a Winter Wonderland Voyageurs National Park cloaked in its winter array is a beautiful, dramatic landscape of glistening snow, frozen lakes and frost-glazed pines. There are few places to experience a winter vista largely free of roads and buildings, and it’s worth a trip to Voyageurs, along Minnesota’s northern border, to […]
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Whitetails 365 – Aim Small/Miss Small
Whitetails 365 – Aim Small/Miss Small If you’ve never been there, you’re lucky! But most archery hunters have experienced that deep guttural feeling when you release an arrow only to see it drive into a deer way off mark. That sick feeling knowing you didn’t make a good shot. Will you find the deer? Will […]
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Championship Lure in the Making: The Stunna
Championship Lure in the Making: The Stunna For Dan Spengler, Senior Project Manager-Bait Development with Berkley/Pure Fishing, “it’s a dream come true.” Spengler was ecstatic as he reflected on the recent victory by Berkley Pro Staffer Hank Cherry, Jr., at the 2021 Bassmaster Classic. And why not? Spengler and his team worked with Cherry for […]
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