Top 10 Public Waterfowl Hunting Areas
Top 10 Public Waterfowl Hunting Areas
Kettleson Hogsback Complex (Dickinson County)
The Kettleson Hogsback Complex in Dickinson County, encompasses a diverse range of wetlands, including marshes, potholes, and lakes, creating an ideal habitat for waterfowl. Hunters visiting Kettleson Hogsback Complex can expect a variety of waterfowl species to target, including ducks such as mallards, teal, pintails, gadwalls, and wood ducks, as well as Canada geese. These wetlands provide essential resting, feeding, and breeding grounds for migratory birds, ensuring a dynamic and exciting hunting experience. The Kettleson Hogsback Complex comprises over 2040 acres, perfect for boat-based hunts in larger water bodies or walk-in hunts in marshy areas.
Tieville Bend (Monona County)
The area boasts diverse habitats, including wetlands, marshes, and rivers, providing an ideal environment for waterfowl to thrive. Hunters can take advantage of the rich abundance of migratory birds that pass through the area during the hunting season. Aproximately 2033 acres of public ground make up the Tieville Bend. Public hunting areas provide ample space for individuals or groups to set up blinds or decoys, creating an optimal hunting experience.
Sweet Marsh (Bremer County)
With its diverse wetland ecosystem 3220 acres comprising Sweet Marsh, attracts an abundance of migratory birds during the hunting season. The marsh consists of open water areas, cattail sloughs, emergent vegetation, and scattered islands, creating a perfect environment for waterfowl to rest, feed, and nest. The marsh is teeming with an abundance of waterfowl, including ducks and geese, which migrate through the area during the hunting season.
Dewey’s Pasture Complex (Palo Alto County)
Dewey’s Pasture Complex, located in Palo Alto County, Iowa, offers exceptional waterfowl hunting opportunities. Spanning across 5,522 acres, this complex is a diverse habitat, with lakes, marshes, and upland areas. The presence of lakes and marshes within the complex provides essential resources such as food, shelter, and resting areas for various species of ducks and geese. The marshes offer excellent cover, attracting both dabbling and diving ducks. The upland areas provide additional habitat diversity, enhancing the complex’s appeal for waterfowl. Ducks and geese often utilize the upland areas for feeding and loafing. With such a varied landscape, hunters can expect a rich and rewarding waterfowl hunting experience.
Red Rock (Marion County)
Red Rock in Marion County offers exceptional waterfowl hunting opportunities across its vast expanse of 30,461 acres. The marshes, lakes, and sloughs at Red Rock attract a wide range of migratory waterfowl such as mallards, pintails, teal, gadwalls, Canada geese, and snow geese, among others. Whether you prefer to set up your blind along the shoreline, in the marshes, or in strategically located fields, there are numerous options to cater to your hunting style and preferences.
Rathbun Area (Appanoose County)
Rathbun Lake, located in Appanoose County, offers excellent waterfowl hunting opportunities across its 30,461 acres. With a diverse landscape consisting of 15,888 acres of water, 1/4 of the lake is comprised of timber, and another 1/4 is covered by upland areas. This unique combination of habitats creates an ideal environment for waterfowl and attracts a variety of species throughout the hunting season.
The lake’s expansive water surface provides ample room for waterfowl to rest, feed, and migrate, making it a popular destination for both resident and migrating birds. Hunters can expect to encounter ducks such as mallards, teal, wood ducks, and pintails, among others. Additionally, Canada geese and snow geese are frequently spotted in the area, adding to the diversity of waterfowl hunting opportunities.
Big Marsh (Butler County)
Big Marsh in Butler County, Iowa offers exceptional waterfowl hunting opportunities amidst its sprawling 7,810 acres of diverse terrain. With a balanced ecosystem consisting timber, wetland, and grassland, the area provides an ideal habitat for a variety of waterfowl species. The timbered areas offer excellent cover and roosting spots. The wetlands within Big Marsh act as natural attractants for waterfowl, providing ample feeding grounds and rest areas. The extensive grassland areas provide nesting sites and foraging opportunities for ducks and geese, enhancing the hunting experience. The open spaces allow hunters to set up decoys and blinds effectively, increasing their chances of a successful hunt.
Lake Odessa (Louisa County)
Lake Odessa in Louisa County, Iowa offers fantastic waterfowl hunting across its 4,139 acres of diverse landscape. With its unique composition of approximately half timber, one-quarter lake, and one-quarter marsh, the area provides a rich habitat for a variety of waterfowl species. The timbered areas offer excellent cover for waterfowl, providing them with a natural shelter and nesting grounds. The lake portion of Lake Odessa serves as a major attraction for waterfowl, attracting both migratory and resident birds. The open waters provide ample space for waterfowl to gather, rest, and feed. The marsh areas within Lake Odessa further enhance the hunting experience by offering additional cover and feeding grounds for waterfowl. Hunters can take advantage of the diverse landscape to set up blinds or stands, increasing their chances of success.
Hogsback Marsh (Winnebago County)
Hogsback Marsh, located in Winnebago County, offers exceptional waterfowl hunting opportunities across its sprawling 1,259-acre landscape. With two-thirds of the area designated as marsh and the remaining one-third as upland, this diverse habitat provides a perfect setting for waterfowl. The marsh portion has an abundance of wetlands, ponds, and shallow waters attracting migratory birds during the hunting season, making it an ideal location for waterfowl hunting. Hunters can expect to encounter a wide range of species, from mallards and pintails to teal and Canada geese. Hogsback Marsh’s significant acreage ensures that hunters have ample space to explore and find their ideal hunting spots.
Artesian Lake (Carroll County)
Artesian Lake, spanning 95 acres, provides a diverse environment which is ideal habitat for a variety of waterfowl species. The marsh area, covering two-thirds of the lake, attracts numerous migratory birds and creates a perfect setting for waterfowl hunting. It is home to an abundance of ducks, geese, and other waterfowl. The marshland provides ample cover, feeding areas, and resting spots for waterfowl, increasing the chances of successful hunting experiences. Hunters visiting Artesian Lake can expect a range of waterfowl species throughout the hunting season. Mallards, pintails, teal, wood ducks, and various other species can be found in the area. The combination of marsh and timber ensures a diverse and rewarding hunting experience, attracting both novice and seasoned hunters alike.
It’s important to note that hunting regulations and seasons may vary depending on the location and local wildlife management authorities. Before planning a hunting trip to Artesian Lake, hunters should familiarize themselves with the specific regulations and obtain the necessary permits or licenses required for waterfowl hunting in the area.
by Jessica Graham
September 2023
