Iowa Sportsman

Must Have’s For Ice Anglers
Must Have’s For Ice Anglers The ice fishing season is nearing and another exciting year is ahead for anglers in Iowa. As each ice season approaches anglers all over Iowa eagerly anticipate the first time they will hit the ice in search of their favorite wintertime species. Ice fishing is a simple way to fish […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
Purchasing Private Ground: Not Just for the Wealthy
Purchasing Private Ground: Not Just for the Wealthy Many of us dream of owning private ground. That sweet little patch of land with the potential to reward year after year with abundant hunting or fishing opportunities. Many consider it a rich man’s game, and sometimes that assumption is rightfully made, yet owning private ground is […]
READ MORE
The Rut Arsenal
The Rut Arsenal By Billy Pryor The whitetail deer can be illusive, stealthy, and undoubtedly a challenge. However, we have many products to make hunting deer a bit easier. Whether it is scent covers and attractants, realistic calls, or visually accurate decoys, we have an arsenal at our fingertips to bring whitetails straight to us. […]
READ MORE
Yellow Bass: Iowans Hate to love Panfish
Yellow Bass: Iowans Hate to love Panfish By Rod Woten 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 […]
READ MORE
Targeting Trophy Walleyes in the Fall
Targeting Trophy Walleyes in the Fall By Steve Weisman There is an old fishing adage that fall is prime time to catch trophy walleyes! For Shane Akin, full time guide in northwest Iowa and owner of Great Lakes Guide Service, that old adage is the truth. “There is no doubt that all gamefish put on […]
READ MORE
Reader’s Questions about the Whitetail Rut Answered!
Reader’s Questions about the Whitetail Rut Answered! By Jason Smith The editor of the magazine contacted me this year and asked if I would be interested in the task of answering readers’ questions about the whitetail rut. I jumped at the chance as I love to see what is on the minds of other hunters […]
READ MORE
Shot Placement Guide For Bowhunting Turkeys
Shot Placement Guide For Bowhunting Turkeys When using a bow to hunt turkeys, many different shots and angles will present themselves. To make a clean ethical kill a hunter must know where to aim on the turkey at any given moment. While a turkey looks to be a decent sized target to hit, it isn’t. […]
READ MORE
Decoying Iowa Waterfowl: What You Need, and What You Need to Know
Decoying Iowa Waterfowl: What You Need, and What You Need to Know By Nick Johnson One of the most exciting aspects of waterfowl hunting is undoubtedly the use of decoys in fooling your quarry. Some make it simple and hike in or use a canoe or sneak boat to deploy a dozen or so decoys. […]
READ MORE