Iowa Sportsman
Bismuth Shot Fundamentals
Bismuth Shot Fundamentals Around the time I was born, lead shot used in waterfowl hunting began to be phased out. I vaguely recall my dad and grandpas grumbling about the lesser performance of steel shot for a few years preceding when I was old enough to know what duck hunting was. Nonetheless, this was the […]
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Whitetail Shot Placement and Blood Tracking Guide
Whitetail Shot Placement Outcome and Blood Tracking Guide The moment of truth has finally arrived and all of your hard work has paid off. You got your shot on that whitetail you’ve been after for so long. Your arrow struck and your animal has bound out of sight. The impact was not enough to let […]
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Whitetails 365: September – Setting the Trap for Success
Whitetails 365: September – Setting the Trap for Success I’ve always wanted to be a trapper; running the trap line on vast amounts of acreage. The anticipation or waiting game after setting the trap…what could be waiting for me around the next bend as my set comes into view would be exhilarating! Well, maybe someday […]
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Whitetails 365: Neighborhood Blues
Whitetails 365: Neighborhood Blues This month, I am responding to a question concerning dealing with neighbors and trying to set up a management program in the neighborhood. Brady from Davis county asks, “For several years now, I have been trying to get my neighbors to agree on a management strategy of shooting less smaller bucks. […]
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How to Catch Pressured Fish: Proven Late Summer Tactics
How to Catch Pressured Fish: Proven Late Summer Tactics September is upon us and nature is buzzing all around us. Hunting seasons are starting to take shape and football takes center stage with many looking for entertainment. September can also be a good time to get in a few more fishing trips before the weather […]
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How to Hunt Early Season Whitetails Successfully
Early Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Tips for Iowa Whitetails Steps to Baggin’ that Early Season Brute! It’s been three months since I heard the last gobble of turkey season and it already seems like an eternity has passed since then. I’ve stored my camouflage, guns, and other gear for the long and dull lull of the […]
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Whitetails 365: Questions about Archery Gear/Tactics
Whitetails 365: Questions about Archery Gear/Tactics This month, I am responding to multiple questions I’ve been saving up from numerous hunters writing in with similar questions about gear and tactics. I’ve been saving them up because they are all archery related questions and season opener is coming up. A Single or Multiple Pins I’ve received […]
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Improving Walleye and Muskie Fishing In Iowa: Part 2
Improving Walleye and Muskie Fishing In Iowa: Part 2 Read Part 1: Improving Walleye and Musky Fishing in Iowa In the spring of 2016, we featured a very similar article discussing how the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and researchers from Iowa State University were working on improving the […]
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Things to Consider When Purchasing a Crossbow
What to Consider When Purchasing a Crossbow We are fortunate to be able to live and hunt world-class whitetails in the state of Iowa. A few things contribute to the trophy class deer such as agriculture production, wildlife research, and hunting rules and regulations set by the Iowa DNR. The state of Iowa has done […]
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How to Hunt Iowa’s Wildlife
How to Hunt Iowa’s Wildlife I am a chronically late person. Church services, family gatherings, meeting up with hunting buddies, even this article is coming down to the wire on the due date. Besides the self-loathing for my poor time management, I worry that others who may notice my frequent tardiness will assess that it […]
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