shooting, Bullet construction, the Iowa Sportsman, shooting

Understand Bullet Construction

Understand Bullet Construction Bullet construction is an often-overlooked aspect of a shooting system. Whether you’re looking to reload or buy off the shelf, “How far does it need to go, and what does it need to do when it gets there?” is the question you should be asking. Pairing the proper bullet to the application […]

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Iowa ice fishing, first bite

Timing the Bite for First Ice

Timing the Bite for First Ice When ice season arrives, it is important to be prepared. Some of these preparations include getting out your gear, charging batteries, opening up shelters, spooling reels, and most importantly, making sure you have all of your safety gear. Before I get into timing the first bite, I’d like to […]

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iowa whitetail huntting the rut 2026, rut phases

Whitetail 365: Hunting the Iowa Rut Phases for 2026

Whitetail 365: Hunting the Rut Phases for 2026 One of the most widely used words in the entire deer hunter’s vernacular is short but for many holds the weight of the world. The word that hunters live, breathe, take vacation from work because of, plan schedules around and look forward to the most is simple: […]

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Trapping Bobcats

Trapping Bobcats I remember the first time I saw a bobcat like it was yesterday. It was nearly 20 years ago, back when I was in high school. I was bowhunting in a timber when some movement caught my attention. Coming from the south, a big male bobcat was sneaking along the creek. I watched […]

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Top Deer Hunting Picks for Your Pack

Top Deer Hunting Picks for Your Pack Being prepared for that first cold morning in the whitetail woods is something we’ve been dreaming about since last season closed. Having the right gear makes a world of difference between planning in the summer and tagging your next buck. Don’t fall behind this fall; here’s what you […]

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shooting corner, .308 win

The .308 Winchester Stands the Test of Time

The .308 Winchester Stands the Test of Time The rise of newer, high-performance cartridges has led some shooters to believe that the 7.62×51mm NATO and its commercial counterpart, the .308 Winchester, are relics of another era. Critics argue that the cartridge’s time has passed. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Because the […]

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snowy pheasant hunting,

A Snowy Pheasant Hunt

Beauty in the Contrast: A Snowy Pheasant Hunt Chasing pheasants in snow is pretty sweet! The scenery’s beauty increases. The iridescent colors of the rooster exploding from the white-dressed cover are breathtaking. The coffee waiting in the truck somehow tastes better, and the post-hunt celebrations and traditions seem to linger and stick a little longer. […]

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October Deer Hunting in Iowa

October Deer Hunting in Iowa

Cracking the October Code: October Deer Hunting in Iowa Rest easy, friends. Soon, all will be right in the world because it is deer season in Iowa once again! The excitement of fall is driven by cooler weather, vibrant changing leaves, and the sound of breaking twigs as a big buck approaches your stand location […]

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Five Fall Fish Recipes Worth the Catch

Five Fall Fish Recipes Worth the Catch

Five Fall Fish Recipes Worth the Catch There are a number of reasons to spend an afternoon, or for that matter, an entire day outdoors chasing after your favorite quarry. It could be you just want to get away and let that fish stretch your line as you let the stresses of the work week […]

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25 Fall Festivals Across Iowa

25 Fall Festivals Across Iowa Autumn in Iowa is, without a doubt, my favorite time of the year. The weather is cooling as cool temperatures sets in. The leaves transform into brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red. Saturdays are made for tailgating as the Cyclones and Hawkeyes take the field, while cool evenings bring […]

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