Top Public Hunting Upland Areas in Iowa

Top Public Hunting Upland Areas in Iowa

By Jessica Graham

Iowa’s rolling fields and picturesque landscapes set the stage for an exhilarating outdoor pursuit that is just around the corner, pheasant season. As the leaves begin to turn and a crisp autumn breeze fills the air, hunters from across the state and beyond eagerly anticipate the opening of this cherished tradition. Iowa’s rich agricultural landscapes and diverse habitats provide an ideal environment for pheasants to thrive, making it a prime destination for those seeking the thrill of the hunt and a deep connection to nature’s rhythms. Whether you’re a seasoned sportsman or a newcomer to the world of hunting, Iowa’s pheasant season offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors, forge lasting memories, and partake in a time-honored tradition that celebrates both camaraderie and the art of skillful pursuit. Join us as we delve into some hidden gems, areas that hold robust pheasant opportunities.

Souhrada Wildlife Area (Howard County)
Northeast Iowa is a hunter’s dream with abundant wildlife, including a huge resurgence of the pheasant population! Located just 9 miles west of Cresco, the 155 acre public Souhrada Wildlife area has easy access and parking off of US Hwy 63, just north of IA Hwy 9. The diverse acres includes woodlands, wetlands, forest and upland hunting areas, as the north branch of the Turkey River weaves through. With over 35 public areas available in Howard County, hunters need not worry if they don’t get their limit immediately, multiple chances await along the west edge of what is referred to as Bluff Country. Find out all the hidden gems at www.howard-county.com or www.co.howard.is.us.

Palo Alto
Nestled in prairie pothole country, Palo Alto County Conservation Board manages over 2,400 acres of wetlands, prairies, and timbers. There are over 30 areas which range from large tracts of a few hundred acres down to a few acre areas. Don’t look past the small areas, which can be easily over-looked, but yet hold good number of birds. Palo Alto County is the ideology of what all pheasant hunters dream of when it comes to pheasant hunting. With diverse habitat of native grasses, cattails, brush thickets, and around 40 acres of food plots, wildlife thrive in these areas year-round.

During early season, pheasants are found easily throughout all of the prairies. Hunters of all skills have success harvesting birds here. Later in the season, birds become more elusive and seek out cattails and brush locations. Pheasants tend to congregate in these locations and when you find the birds, flushes are often chaotic with many birds in the air. Don’t forget to walk the food plots: corn, beans, and sorghum are planted every year to provide wildlife food throughout the fall and winter.

Palo Alto County’s local Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited have been vital in getting habitat available for the public to enjoy. Stay for a day or a week and you will fall in love with everything Palo Alto County has to offer. For addition questions please feel free to visit the Nature Center or call at 712-837-4866.

Barringer Sloughs (Clay County)
When you think about pheasants, one of the first areas that comes to mind is Clay County. Not only does Clay County have an active Pheasants Forever chapter, but there is prime food and habitat for the pheasants. Renowned for its bountiful wildlife and expansive natural beauty, this county stands as a testament to the state’s rich hunting heritage. Barringer Slough, a sprawling 1,705-acre expanse that has become synonymous with pheasant hunting excellence.

Its diverse terrain encompasses a blend of marshes, prairies, and wetlands, creating a mosaic of habitats that pheasants thrive in. This carefully managed area offers ample cover and sustenance. As a result, Barringer Slough has rightfully earned its reputation as a pheasant mecca, drawing avid hunters from far and wide. The prairies demand a keen eye and steady aim amidst the rustling grasses. This diversity not only adds to the excitement of the hunt but also ensures that each visit to Barringer Slough is a unique and rewarding experience.

The true essence of Barringer Slough’s appeal lies not only in its abundant pheasant population but also in its commitment to public access. This vast tract of land is open to the public, welcoming hunters of all backgrounds to partake in the time-honored tradition of pheasant hunting.

Pleasant Hills (Buena Vista)
Buena Vista County holds an esteemed position as a premier destination for avid pheasant hunters. This county, deeply rooted in a tradition of outdoor pursuits, has earned its reputation as a haven for those who seek the thrill of the hunt amidst breathtaking natural beauty. At the forefront of this reputation lies the captivating expanse known as Pleasant Hills, a 189-acre sanctuary that has become synonymous with unparalleled pheasant hunting experiences.

Pleasant Hills, with its meticulously restored prairies, wetlands, and groves, offers habitats that pheasants thrive in. This carefully managed area provides necessary cover and sustenance to flourish. The restored prairies provide an immersive experience, where the rustling grasses and undulating terrain challenge hunters. Amidst the groves, pheasants dart and weave, offering hunters an opportunity to showcase their marksmanship amidst the natural beauty that surrounds them.

Iowa Hunter Access Program (IHAP) (Harrison County)
Located in Southwest Iowa we have been lucky enough to have over 5,000 acres of IHAP, followed up by over 650 acres of county owned land for your hunting pleasure. On these properties in Harrison County you will find excellent pheasant, quail, duck, and deer hunting at your reach. Some of the projects we have are the seed food banks where people can come and get seed to do food plots, either corn or soybeans free of charge. To kick off fall we have Mo. Valley Rally days, where we have duck calling contest, Dock dogs competition, Desoto Bend state duck coloring contest, followed up by having a Pheasants Forever biologist available to ask questions about CRP enrollments in Harrison County. SO please, I invite you to come and join us for a hunt or the festival, which is August 12 and 13, and see all of what we have to offer in Southwest Iowa.

Pheasants Forever Acquired Public Hunting (Crawford County)
One of the biggest Crawford County Pheasants Forever projects is the Crawford County Shooting Sport. The Crawford County Pheasants Forever helped build this facility with a shooting range and trap houses for local trap shooting teams to use. Every year the chapter donates to the facility to purchase shells and clay pigeons and whatever else they need to compete. Recently the Crawford County Pheasants Forever has collaborated to buy two different properties. They partnered with the Izaak Walton League to buy the Norelius property north of Deloit. It features a farm pond that is surrounded by native grasses and trees that is completely open to the public to use for hunting and fishing. They also partnered with the Carroll, Audubon, and Shelby chapters to buy a 40-acre piece of property that is situated right in the 4 corners of those 4 counties. It will be completely open to the public for hunting. We also help with Ahart RDD Natural Resource Area outside of Dow City that features a pond and lots of pheasant hunting habitat. Crawford Co. Pheasants Forever have worked and donated time and money to the restoration of V & W Peterson Wildlife Management area, which is 450 acres of public hunting outside of Manilla IA. The Crawford County Pheasants Forever has multiple members that have been doing prescribed burns on different producers’ farms as they need to do Mid Contract Management on their CRP acres. Two years ago, Crawford County Pheasants Forever hosted the Governor’s hunt. The chapter is constantly looking for projects, and ways to get the youth involved with the outdoors. If interested in joining our chapter or helping out feel free to contact Josh Langholdt Chapter President (712) 269-8804, Jake Segebart Chapter Vice President (712) 790-1497, or Jon Saunders Chapter Secretary (712) 830-2996.

Shell Rock (Butler County)
Butler County Shell Rock stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to preserving its rich hunting heritage. This county offers an unparalleled pheasant hunting experience at Shell Rock Bend, a sprawling 220-acre tract that has become synonymous with public access and pheasant hunting excellence. Shell Rock Bend, boasting a diverse landscape comprised of half-timber, a quarter grassland, and a quarter cropped areas, offers a blend of habitats that provide an ideal environment for pheasants to flourish. This meticulous balance of terrain ensures that both experienced hunters and novices can find opportunities suited to their preferences and skill levels. The dense timber provides cover and nesting grounds, the expansive grasslands challenge to work the fields in search of roosters, and the row crops and food plots provide ample food to attract and hold pheasants.

Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area (Johnson County)
With its expansive natural areas and a commitment to wildlife conservation, the county has earned its reputation as a haven for pheasant enthusiasts seeking both the thrill of the hunt and a connection to the great outdoors. One of the crown jewels of Johnson County’s hunting landscape is the Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Encompassing an impressive 13,898 acres, this sprawling expanse presents a captivating mosaic of ecosystems that cater to a myriad of wildlife, including the iconic pheasant. The area’s composition of approximately 1/4 timber, 1/4 upland, and 1/4 marsh creates an ideal habitat for pheasants to flourish. The diversity of landscapes within the Hawkeye WMA sets the stage for a truly immersive hunting experience. As the morning sun casts its golden hue across the rolling fields and stretches of upland terrain, hunters are met with the invigorating challenge of tracking pheasants through varied cover.