Top 10 Public Land Bowhunting Spots in Iowa
Top 10 Public Land Bowhunting Spots in Iowa
By far, the best part of living in Iowa is the trophy-class deer hunting we have. Iowa has long been recognized as the top destination for whitetail deer hunting, and every year, Iowans consistently see and shoot world-class trophy bucks. Iowa’s vast public lands offer some good hunting opportunities. These 10 areas should leave hunters with a genuine chance to harvest a Pope and Young or Boone and Crockett caliber buck.
Stephens State Forest
Stephens State Forest is located across Lucas, Monroe, Appanoose, Clarke, and Davis counties, and spans approximately 15,000 acres spread across multiple units. It is a bowhunter’s dream, with mature timber, brushy draws, and creek bottoms. The southern Iowa counties are consistently among the state’s top deer-producing counties. Lucas County has an excellent history, with over 70 B&C qualifying deer on record in the last 5 years, and Appanoose County has also produced many record-book deer. These areas are known for their strong deer numbers and the presence of older-age-class bucks.
Shimek State Forest
Located in southeastern Iowa, in Lee and Van Buren Counties, Shimek State Forest is a large, contiguous block of timber that is about 9,000 acres of land, and hold promise for big deer. The forest is known for its rugged terrain, which provides a natural barrier to some hunters and gives the deer a safe place to grow old. Lee and Van Buren counties have a proven history of producing top-end bucks. The forest’s numerous ridges, funnels, and food plot openings create ideal bowhunting setups, particularly during the rut when bucks are on the move.
Red Rock Wildlife Management Area
The Red Rock WMA is a vast and varied landscape surrounding Lake Red Rock. It encompasses well over 40,000 acres (much more if you include land leased by the Iowa DNR) of timber, marshland, and agricultural fields across Marion, Warren, Jasper, and Polk counties. The area’s size means that scouting is critical to finding hidden pockets of deer activity. With a mix of habitat types, the Red Rock WMA offers opportunities for a variety of bowhunting strategies, from setting up along river corridors to targeting bedding areas in mature timber.
Rathbun Wildlife Management Area
Southern Iowa is prime habitat for deer, and we visit another gem in the heart of southern Iowa’s trophy belt, Rathbun WMA is a significant public land holding. The sheer size of this area and its diverse habitat, including expansive woodlands and lake-adjacent properties, make it an exceptional choice for bowhunters willing to put in the time and effort. The area spans over 30,000 acres across Appanoose, Lucas, and Monroe counties. Close proximity to private agricultural ground ensures a constant food source, and the thick cover provides the perfect sanctuary for trophy bucks.
Hawkeye Wildlife Area
While situated in a more populated part of the state, Hawkeye WMA is a very prominent piece of ground, over 13,000 acres in Johnson and Benton Counties. The terrain consists of wetlands, timber, and grasslands. Bowhunters who are willing to navigate the unique challenges of hunting near water will find promising funnels and travel corridors. This area is a testament to the fact that big deer can be found in unexpected places.
Volga River State Recreation Area
Located in northeastern Iowa, we have Volga River State Recreation Area in Fayette County. The Volga River SRA is a rugged, scenic area with deep river valleys and wooded ridges and comprises about 6,000 acres. Fayette County, is located in a strong deer-producing region. The topography of the Volga River area naturally funnels deer, creating ideal stand placements for bowhunters. This is a perfect spot for the hunter who loves to scout and read the land.
Saylorville Lake Wildlife Management Area
As with Red Rock, Saylorville Lake WMA offers over 18,000 acres with a variety of habitat types along a major water body. Polk and Dallas counties have both produced impressive bucks over the years. The combination of timber, food plots, and the vast lake shoreline creates numerous opportunities for bowhunters. The sheer scale of the area and the diverse habitat means that scouting is essential to success, but for those who do their homework, the reward can be substantial.
Yellow River State Forest
Allamakee County is, without a doubt, one of Iowa’s premier trophy buck producers consistently. It has a legendary reputation for yielding more record-book entries than almost any other county in the state. Yellow River State Forest is at the heart of this region and has over 8,500 acres for public hunting. It’s known for its steep, rugged hills and expansive timber, which makes it a physically demanding hunt. However, this also ensures that only the most determined hunters venture deep into its confines, allowing mature bucks to find sanctuary. The challenge is worth the reward, as the potential for a true giant is very real.
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
Brushy Creek SRA, located in Webster and Hardin counties, offers about 6,000 acres made up of heavily wooded ground with good cover for deer. Hunters who focus on the funnels and pinch points created by the creek and the varied terrain can be successful. The area is a good option for those seeking a challenging but rewarding hunt in a less-pressured region.
Loess Hills State Forest
Loess Hills State Forest, which is about 12,000 acres located in Harrison and Monona Counties, offers a distinct bowhunting opportunity. The rugged, steep terrain and unique prairie habitat can make for a tough hunt, but they also create a sanctuary for mature deer. The forest is a key component of the deer habitat in this region. The lack of extensive agricultural fields within the forest itself means that deer are often concentrated in specific areas, making it a great place to scout for a specific buck.
Iowa’s public lands offer an incredible opportunity for the bowhunter seeking a trophy whitetail. The key to success lies in choosing a location wisely, focusing on areas with a strong history of producing big deer, and then committing to the necessary scouting and effort.
By Shannon Rivers
October 2025
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