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FEATURES IN THE LIFE OF A LATE HUNTER 12 THESEASONDAYTURKEY WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON NEW 18 BASS WATER 22 TROUT STAY-CATION 5 THINGS EVERYONE CAN DO TO 26 THEIR LAND TO IMPROVE WILDLIFE STRATEGIES FOR LATE TURKEYS 30 4SEASON KAYAK 101: TAKING YOUR IOWA 34 AQUATIC EXPLORATION OFF SHORE By Earl Taylor
By Todd Reed
By Rod Woten
By Joel Johnson
By Ryan Graden
42 WHITETAILS 365 46 LOOKING FOR FIRST OPEN WATER CAREFUL OF POISONOUS AND PESKY ONES TOO! 50 BEPLANTS... CREATING ENTRANCE & EXIT ROUTES YOUR PROPERTY NOW FOR 56 ONOPTIMAL SUCCESS By Tom Peplinski
By Steve Weisman
By Steve Weisman
By Mac Chilton
58 CURING A SHOOTING SLUMP By Troy Hoepker
By Aaron Stonehocker
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DEPARTMENTS 62 GUNDOG CORNER 6 PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT THE SPORTSMAN SPORTSMAN INTERACTIVE 64 ASK 8 IOWA IOWA COOKBOOK MOON PHASES/ 66 9 SUNRISE-SUNSET 68 FISHING IOWA 16 AROUND THE STATE TROPHY ROOM 55 By Patrick McKinney
By Ryan Eder
Fish Recipes
By Bob Jensen
Photos Submitted by Readers
ON THE COVER
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Welcome to the May issue of The Iowa Sportsman Magazine! On the cover this month is a beautiful photo of a tom turkey. May in Iowa marks the beginning of the 4th turkey season and is arguably the best time to hunt. It doesn’t come without challenges though, as anything dealing with turkey hunting isn’t easy.
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May 2018
PUBLISHER STATEMENT
GIVE THEM A CHANCE!
In my publisher’s statement I try to be diverse in my topics, but one topic that I have covered more than any other is getting kids involved in the outdoors and how important that is. As time goes on so do the advancements in technologies that seem to turn the youth of today into complete zombies. This isn’t a new fight, as every generation has battled some new advancement in daily life that seems to distract individuals. However, the fight to get children outdoors today seems to be the biggest fight yet as we now have the ability to touch the entire world in a matter of seconds by picking up a phone. No doubt about it, the daily activities of mankind have changed immensely. We are now a species that lives on the go, we want things now, we talk to people not in voice but via a screen, and we do all of this in the palm of our hands. I am not saying technological advancement is a bad thing, but you can’t argue that it directly effects children’s interaction with wanting to go outside. Heck if I give my two girls an IPad to play with for just a little while, it takes an act of congress to get them to want to do anything else. It is amazing the powers the gadgets today have over the youth. It is a scary notion, and one that will only continue to develop. That is why I am very passionate about the continuance of getting children outdoors. If they are not given the opportunity at a young age the chances of them wanting to be outside and experiencing all it has to offer will be less and less as time goes on. I would like to encourage everyone that has a chance to take a child into the great outdoors this spring. It doesn’t matter what activity you choose to do. Whether it is a fishing trip, target shooting, camping, hiking, mushroom hunting, etc., just get them out there and have them do something. We as parents, uncles, aunts, friends, brothers, and sisters of children need to take the step of introducing a child to the outdoors. The likelihood of them doing it themselves isn’t as likely as it would be if they have a little nudging from a mentor. In doing so you are taking that first step of planting that seed into their minds and giving them the opportunity to enjoy what is outside the realm of technology. Take a moment and just think about your first time hunting, fishing, or camping. Chances are it was with a family member or someone you knew very closely and it is something you will never forget. That first time putting a rooster into a vest, or holding up a 6” bluegill is probably some of your fondest memories. Those memories are probably the reason why you are a sportsman or woman today. You have to give youth the same chance. I am not here to tell you to drill it into kids to be a sportsman or even like what the outdoor lifestyle has to offer. I am simply saying give them a chance to decide for themselves before it is too late. Let’s face it, not all people hunt and fish, some kids just won’t be into it and that is completely fine. However, at least you gave them the opportunity to find out when you take them along with you on an adventure. Trust me nothing is more rewarding when you have a kid that loves the outdoors and loves you for introducing them into it. They will look up to you for the rest of their life as the man/woman that taught them how to be a Sportsman.
TWIN RIVERS MEDIA, LLC. 1517 3rd Avenue NW Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 877-424-4594
VOLUME 16 • NUMBER 5 • MAY 2018
Gale W. McKinney II, President & CEO Patrick McKinney, Publisher Audra McKinney, VP of Finance Dustin Hector, VP of Sales Aaron McKinney, Field Editor Brandon Peterson, Art Director/Graphic Designer Dawn Busse, Office Manager Shawna Nelson, Circulation Manager
OUTDOOR MARKETING SPECIALISTS
Joyce Kenney - joyce@twinriversmedia.com Ed Juncker - ed@twinriversmedia.com Kendra Sassman - kendra@twinriversmedia.com
SUBSCRIPTION SALES
Shawna Nelson - shawna@twinriversmedia.com Falon Geis - info@twinriversmedia.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tom Peplinski, Todd Reed, Ryan Graden, Rod Woten, Aaron Stonehocker, Troy Hoepker, Mac Chilton, Earl Taylor, Joel Johnson, and Bob Jensen.
The information and advertising set forth herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable and compiled with great care. Twin Rivers Media, LLC. however, does not warrant complete accuracy of such information and assumes no responsibility for any consequences arising from the use thereof or reliance thereon. Our advertisers are solely responsible for the content of their respective advertisements appearing in this publication, and Publisher shall not be responsible or liable in any manner for inaccuracies, false statements or any material in such advertisement infringing upon the intellectual rights of others. Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement or space reservation at any time without notice. Publisher shall not be liable for any costs or damages if for any reason it fails to publish an advertisement. This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Copyright © 2018 All rights reserved.
Patrick McKinney
@TheIowaSportsmanMagazine
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The Iowa Sportsman
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INTERACTIVE PAGE
WHAT AM I
IOWA SPORTSMAN ONLINE POLL DO YOU OWN RECREATIONAL PROPERTY IN IOWA? Yes No
50 (35.21%) 92 (64.79%) 142 votes
CAN YOU GUESS THE OBJECT IN THE PHOTO?
Please send your guesses to The Iowa Sportsman at 1597 3rd Ave. NW Fort Dodge, IA 50501 or email to info@twinriversmedia.com. Answer will be given in the following month on the interactive page.
WHAT AM I WINNER
The winner of last month’s “What Am I” was Nick Mescher. The answer was: new Iowa license plate.
Like us on Facebook! @ theiowasportsmanmagazine
FIND THE MISSING ANTLER We need your help readers! The antler in The Iowa Sportsman logo has come off and we need your help to bring it back! This antler could be anywhere, but most likely it will be hiding in a photo, so it will not be easily found. If you find the missing antler in this month’s The Iowa Sportsman magazine, send in your guesses via email to info@twinriversmedia. com or by mail with the page number and a brief description of where the antler is found. A reader with the first correct answer will be listed in next month’s magazine. Good luck! The antler last month was located on page 57.
THE WINNER OF THE APRIL ISSUE WAS NICK CULBERTSON
PHOTO HUNT: CAN YOU FIND THE 12 DIFFERENCES ON THIS PHOTO?
Answers: Yellow part of purple flower is moved, piece of leaf is cut off, pedal of dark purple flower is gone, leaf top left is brighter, bee on a flower, top middle purple flower missing, white flower on left side is yellow, stick in bottom middle, extra purple flower lower left, red tulip is added, leaf is lighter next to big purple flower middle right, piece of blue pedal flower is gone.
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MOON PHASES
April/May 2018 15 Visible: 1%
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27 Visible: 93% 28 Visible: 98%
First Quarter Sunrise: 6:23 AM Sunset: 8:02 PM
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29 Visible: 100% 30 Visible: 100% Full Moon Sunrise: 6:13 AM Sunset: 8:10 PM
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Visible: 47%
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Last Quarter Sunrise: 6:04 AM Sunset: 8:17 PM
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Sunrise: 5:54 AM Sunset: 8:28 PM
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Sunrise: 5:51 AM Sunset: 8:31 PM
25 Visible: 84% 26 Visible: 91%
First Quarter Sunrise: 5:50 AM Sunset: 8:31 PM
27 Visible: 96%
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29 Visible: 100% 30 Visible: 100% 31 Visible: 97% Full Moon
Sunrise: 5:45 AM Sunset: 8:38 PM
May 2018
Sunrise: 5:44 AM Sunset: 8:39 PM
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May 2018
May 2018
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I HAVE TRIED every season, but its fourth season in Iowa that I now hunt every year. I have been snowed on during the first season. I have had to compete with too many other hunters during the second season. It is a hit and miss proposition of finding a tom not henned up with his flock during the third season. But during those magical 20 days of the fourth season, I know I am going to have great weather, lonely toms, less midweek hunting pressure, and plenty of time to fill my two fourth season tags. There is no sure-fire approach to turkey hunting the late season that works better; each approach has its positives. For many hunters, they approach the season as if they were Tom Hanks in Saving Private Ryan as he charges onto the shores of Normandy. Others see themselves as a fortified battalion, just waiting and waiting, never leaving their domain of the blind/fort.
feeding alongside other hens; a tom likes having his harem of hens around him. If one hen is not in the mood, usually another one will be. During these days, the tom walks around with a proverbial smile on his face. Around the first week of May, the hen leaves the tom’s side and begins to sit on her nest of 10 to 12 eggs. As her mothering instincts take over, she spends most of her
MY INITIAL AGGRESSIVE, LOUD CALLS APPEAR TO CRANK UP THE TOM; I BACK DOWN THE VOLUME ONCE I KNOW I HAVE ONE MOVING IN TOWARDS ME. I do both; I am more like General Grant who charged and then retreated to regain strength and strategy for the next encounter. Turkey hunters are not soldiers, but there is a needed strategy to come out victorious. It is no fun to have to admit that a turkey won the battle for the day. During the last ten days in April, hens make their daily deposit of one egg per day. During the rest of the day, hens make themselves available to amorous toms while May 2018
day sitting on the clutch of eggs with only an occasional venture off the nest to eat and get a quick drink over the 26-28 incubation period. The tom’s fun shuts down quickly and yet; he is still in the mood. There is no precise day when all the hens go to their nest. However, it does appear that by May 5th, most are brooding over their nests. With no hens available the tom is more vulnerable to chase after the hunter’s calls. The gobblers have been hunted hard TheIowaSportsman.com
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THE DAY IN THE LIFE OF A LATE SEASON TURKEY HUNTER for the last three weeks, so the birds are not a pushover, but just like with humans, a gobbler’s sexual drives gets him into big trouble. Granted, by late season there are fewer birds available to hunt due to earlier hunters’ harvest, but with no hens making themselves available, the siren calls of the hunter proves to be too powerful for a gobbler to withstand. In ancient Greek mythology, Ulysses had his fellow sailors tie him to the mast and plug their ears with wax so that he would not give into the Siren’s seductive voices that beckoned the boat to come to their shores where the Sirens would crash their boat and destroy them. There are no restraints put on toms during the late season so often they get to feel the crash of the hunter’s gun. Mays lushness in Iowa can be a challenge to navigate and to see, but it can work to a hunter’s advantage as well. Turkeys use their ears to pinpoint a call of the hen, but he uses his eyes to confirm what his ears have told him should be in the area. When early season birds respond to a call, they can see the hen from a distance; he knows it is safe or not safe to come on in. During the late season, gooseberry foliage prevents the bird from visually confirming what he heard and forces him to play a game of hide and seek. If the hunter has positioned himself in the right spot with open shooting lanes or an open meadow, the bird will eventually make his way into range. The fullness of the underbrush also allows the hunter to reposition himself unseen. I have moved up on a wary bird during the late season as if I was the real hen moving closer to him. The foliage has allowed me to close the 100 yards without showing my face. The extra thickness of the underbrush also allows for a more effective run and call style. I have a favorite ridge that stretches over a half mile; during the late season, I have walked back and forth on this ridge throughout the late morning hours, setting up several times and calling. Eventually, I could get something to respond. Old gobblers didn’t get old because being “eunuch-like”; they got old because they are smart and very nervous of anything out of place. The late-season hunter still has to take all the precautions of making his set-ups fool-proof. With the added underbrush, a hunter still has to be able to shoot out 40 yards; trying to position yourself into a too tight of a set-up will usually allow the gobbler to win. I want to be able to have at least a 280-degree shooting window around me. 14
The Iowa Sportsman
How I position my shoulders and legs will allow me the maximum amount of range around me. When my shoulders are not positioned correctly, the head and eye do not come down on the stock correctly; causing an overshot or undershot I usually have two or three blinds set up along the edge of crop ground during the fourth season. I want to see a long distance, so I seldom get too deep into the woods. By having different blinds set up, I can keep track of the tom’s morning routine. My loud calls can bring birds running from 500 yards away. There is nothing like being able to watch the beauty of a strutting bird as he gets closer and closer. You might get bumped by the farmer planting corn, but that is a risk I am willing to take. There appears to be a magic time around the noon hour during the late season. As I have written before, I don’t go out early; I wait until around 9 a.m. I feel rested and ready to stay the day. As a tom moves throughout his day, feed becomes important for this late-season tom. Farm fields are the perfect place to set up around. By May, toms group back together in small bands of lonely brothers. A hierarchy is in place, but the birds appear to need each other’s company for fellowship and for protecting each other’s flank. Last year I called in a group of five mature gobblers around May 10th with the biggest one leading the way into my calls. I have called in as many as nine mature gobblers all together in midMay. Expect seeing more than one bird responding to your calls during this late season. Loud calling still works for me during the late season. My initial aggressive, loud calls appear to crank up the tom; I back down the volume once I know I have one moving in towards me. I dress in layers so I can strip off any heavy clothes by noon. I freeze my bottles of water so I can enjoy cold water all day. I have shot birds wearing shorts; when it is hot, I want to be able to be down to the wearing minimum of clothing. The one negative about late season hunting is the warm temperatures by noon. Birds respond all day right up until they are ready to return to their roost for the night. Fourth season hunting is the season to take a youth hunter. It will be warm, the wildflowers are abundant, and a youngster will be able to endure the day without getting cold. If the mushroom gods cooperate, there is an added bonus for spending your first three weeks in May in an Iowa timber.
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SET YOUR TRAIL ON THESE LOCATIONS NICK’S
1106 ARMY POST RD, DES MOINES, IA 5465 MILLS CIVIC PKWY • WEST DES MOINES, IA 515-777-2759 • WWW.EATNICKSLOINS.COM HOURS: FRI-SAT 10:30 AM - 9 PM; SUN, 11 AM - 3 PM
GOLDIE’S ICE CREAM SHOPPE
114 BRICK ST SE, BONDURANT, IA 50035 515-967-2220 • WWW.THEBRICKSTREETMARKET.COM
HOURS: MON-THURS, 6 AM - 9 PM; FRI - SAT, 6 AM - 10 PM; SUN, CLOSED
THE OTHER PLACE
304 W 2ND ST, PRAIRIE CITY, IA 50228 515-994-3190 • WWW.GOLDIESICECREAMSHOPPE.COM
12401 UNIVERSITY AVE, CLIVE, IA 2010 SE DELAWARE SUITE 260, ANKENY, IA 515-225-9494 • WWW.THEOTHERPLACE.COM
BELMOND DRIVE-IN
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HOURS: MON-TUE, CLOSED; WED - SUN, 11 AM - 9 PM
HOURS: MON - SUN, 11 AM - 8 PM
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215 RIVER AVE S, BELMOND, IA 50421 641-444-7063
HOURS: SUN-THURS 11AM-12 AM FRI-SAT 11 AM-2 AM
118 IOWA AVE, DUNLAP, IA 51529 712-643-5116
THREE C’S DINER
BREITBACH’S COUNTRY DINING
HOURS: MON, CLOSED; TUES-FRI, 9:30 AM - 8 PM SAT 6:30 AM - 8 PM; SUN 6:30 AM - 3 PM
HOURS: MON CLOSED TUES-THURS 8AM -8PM FRI-SAT 8AM-9:30 PM SUN 8AM-7:30 PM
300 9TH ST, CORNING, IA 50841 641-322-4182
THE LUCKY PIG PUB & GRILL
113 W WALNUT ST, OGDEN, IA 50212 515-275-9946 HOURS: MON-THURS, 11 AM - 11 PM FRI - SAT, 11 AM - 2 AM, SUN, 11 AM - 6 PM May 2018
BRICK STREET MARKET & CAFE
563 BALLTOWN RD., BALLTOWN, IA 5207 563-552-2220 • WWW.BREITBACHSCOUNTRYDINING.COM
ALL RESTAURANTS CAN BE FOUND ON FACEBOOK TheIowaSportsman.com
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AROUND THE STATE
RAISED AT FULL DRAW A NWTF WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT CAMP For years, Karin Holder, co-founder of the award winning TV show, Raised Hunting and co-founder of the nonprofit archery camps, Raised at Full Draw has had a vision of hosting a retreat where women can come learn archery and hunting skills. The vision has been for this to be a fun, safe environment where mistakes are no big deal, an environment that encourages renewal of the mind and soul and allows women to have that recharging get away. A place that pushes women beyond what they thought they could do, builds confidence and provides them with the skills to experience the outdoors and hunting. That vision has now become a reality. Raised at Full Draw has teamed up with the NWTF to hold our fist annual Women in the Outdoors – Women’s Empowerment Camp this summer June 8, 9 and 10th in Winterset, IA. The Women’s Empowerment Camp is hosted in the rolling hills of southwestern Iowa, better known as “the land of the giants.” With lush agricultural lands, and mature hardwood bottoms, there are plenty of ways to enjoy nature. This three-day retreat is designed to give you some experiences that you may never have had before, or believed that you could do. Build confidence by learning how to properly shoot a bow and arrow, hike to a destination at night, and learn how to set up a ground blind so you can go out hunting with your kids or by yourself. Shoot a professional 3D archery range that takes you up hills and down valleys. Learn to cook wild game and what wine to pair it with. Most of all this is a safe place to get away from all the demands of life for a few days to enjoy nature and fellowship with like minded women. Lodging: You have the choice of staying in a local hotel and driving in each day or pitching a tent at the location and stay on sight. You are responsible for your reservation if staying in a hotel or bringing camping equipment and supplies if staying on site. Registration cost is $235. Fee includes 1 year membership to NWTF, food, equipment, ammo, and a t-shirt. For more information or to register visit http://www.raisedhunting.com/raised-fulldraw-womens-empowerment -camp/ Please email Karin@raisedhunting. com with any questions.
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The Iowa Sportsman
1,750 ARCHERS COMPETE AT STATE ARCHERY TOURNAMENT
1,750 archers from 86 Iowa schools participated in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) state tournament March 10-11, in Des Moines. Lilly Machart, from Anamosa, won the girls’ bullseye competition with a score of 297. Cassie Allen, from Holstein Ridge View, won the girls’ 3D competition with a score of 293. Machart and Allen were each awarded a bow for winning the respective competition. Jatin Moore, Eddyville-BlakesburgFremont, won the boys’ bullseye competition with a score of 293. Kade Butterwegge, from West Des Moines Stilwell, won the boys’ 3D competition with a score of 290. Moore and Butterwegge were each awarded a bow for winning the respective competitions. Scholarships were awarded to the top scoring 12th grade boys and girls in each category. Senior boys scholarship winners were Eli Kempema, from Sergeant Bluff Luton, who received $1,000 for the highest 3D score and Brandon Lochner, from Mount Vernon, received $500 scholarship for second highest 3D score among seniors. Tanner Bowman, from Johnston, received $1,500 for the highest score and Jack Waskow, Alburnett, received $1,000 scholarship for second highest score among seniors in the bullseye competition. Among senior girls, Brooke Paris, from Ottumwa, received $1,000 scholarship for the highest 3D score and Lauryn Jansen, of Sergeant Bluff Luton, received $500 for second highest 3D score among seniors. Robyn Stillmunkes, from Bellevue, received $1,500 scholarship for the highest score and Nyla Kahl, from Bellevue, received $1,000 scholarship for the second
highest score in the bullseye competition. NASP archers who scored highest league scores plus the highest state tournament scores were named All-State Archers.
Boys All State Archers
Connor Myers, Mount Vernon Alex Brittain, Eddyville-BlakesburgFremont Jatin Moore, Eddyville-BlakesburgFremont Owen Lerg, West Des Moines Valley Adam Larson, Lawton Collin Hallier, Mount Vernon
Girls All State Archers
Lilly Machart, Anamosa Makenna Hewitt, Cedar Rapids Prairie Point Paige Emig, Mount Vernon Samantha Mellinger, Washington Breann Holtz, Lawton Haley Schwenneker, Spencer High All-Around Champions were named based on their total combined scores from the state 3D and bullseye tournaments. Lilly Machart, from Anamosa, with a total combined score of 588 and Alex Brittain, from Eddyville–Blakesburg–Fremont, with a total combined score of 578. Nearly 3,600 archers from more than 300 schools participated in Iowa’s National Archery in the Schools Program. The NASP season was Dec. 1 to Feb. 24. 3D results are available online at https:// nasptournaments.org/TournamentDetail. aspx?tid=2897 Bullseye results are available online at https://nasptournaments.org/ TournamentDetail.aspx?tid=2896 The state tournament was sponsored by the Iowa Bowhunters Association, Whitetails Unlimited, the Iowa State Archery Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Safari Club International. To Subscribe CALL 877-424-4594
SPRING HAS FINALLY sprung around the state and the thousands of anglers searching for bass can once again take to the water. Whether you fish a river system or a lake around Iowa there are certain areas where you need to try, and certain areas you need to stay away from in this early season for bass. Angling for bass this time of year can no doubt be tricky, especially when you are trying a new lake or area of a river. A lake fishes very different from a river system, so breaking this article in two parts is necessary. Lakes: Arriving at a new lake in the spring can be filled with many emotions. First, it is spring, so a chance of catching a giant bass is always possible, actually your best chance at a giant bass is right now. This trip to a new lake should start with doing your homework at home first. There are many resources online that can make this trip to a new lake a much better experience. The Iowa DNR site have maps with contours and structures placed in the lake as well. Contour maps can show you where streams enter the lake, but a closer look at Google Earth can reveal even more streams entering the lake. This is a good place to start, however some first-hand experience can be gained from friends or online resources like iowasportsman.com. Studying maps is vital, but getting up to date information from other anglers can shorten the learning May 2018
curve to catching bass on a new lake. As mentioned earlier, mapping can show anglers where streams and creeks enter the lake. This can be a huge benefit or a major turn-off to bass in the spring. If rain has hit the area in the past week or so, these creeks can get very dirty and make bass fishing a tough job. However,
the points that these coves create on the main lake. If the coves are muddy or the water temperature is too cold, often times bass will hang around these main lake points. They offer a variety of water depths helping the bass to adjust to baitfish as well as pressure fronts that so often come with spring fishing on lakes. One last area that often gets overlooked on Iowa lakes are large flats adjacent to the main lake channel. These flats vary in depth, but those that are 8 foot or less seem to hold fish year-round. In the spring these fish can be picked off with slower baits, as the temperatures rise over
EXPLORING A NEW BODY OF WATER IN SEARCH FOR BASS CAN BE A GREAT ADVENTURE AND LEAD YOU TO MANY MORE TRIPS TO THAT BODY OF WATER. if the weather has been stable and not an overly large amount of rain then creeks/ streams in coves can be a great place to start. These coves offer bass everything they need in the Spring. Shallow areas to start looking for spawning areas, baitfish such as bluegills, and change in water depths with the creeks draining into the lake. Most coves in lakes across the state will have a defined creek channel in them. Another key area in the Spring are
50-degrees then spinnerbaits, crankbaits and topwaters can be fan-casted over these large flats to catch these roaming bass. These tips and locations will no doubt have you landing more bass on that new lake in 2018. Rivers: No matter what size of river you have fished in Iowa, bass relate very similar in the different river systems. You can use this advantage to take your fishing trips to new rivers this year and expand TheIowaSportsman.com
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WHAT TO LOOK FOR ON NEW BASS WATER king. The current is the highway of the river, bringing food to bass and positioning the bait for bass to prey on. Look for similar turns and sandbars to locate these high percentage places to find feeding bass. Bass are bass, and they will all eat in similar ways, especially on smaller rivers. The two large bordering rivers of the state offer a larger challenge if you have never visited them before. The Mississippi River is touted as one of the best bass fisheries in the Midwest for good reason...it is full of largemouth and smallmouth bass! The same type of homework should be instilled on these big waters as well, do your homework, pick an area of the river that offers current and backwaters without traveling too far on the main channel. Current plays a huge roll on any given day on the big rivers. In early spring it is all about getting away from the current, while in the summer you cannot be in too much current to catch bass. When the river is high and muddy, try those backwater areas away from the channel as they can stay gin-clear during high water times. Typically, the cleaner the water is, the better the bass will bite and feed on your baits. The biggest advice is to keep moving on the big rivers and pay close attention to current to land you into a nice school of bass. Each day is different, some experimentation is always needed. Exploring a new body of water in search of bass can be a great adventure and lead you to many more trips to The new Hot Tiger that body of water. I encourage you to from Bagley Baits. venture out and try some new areas and don’t overlook those smaller lakes in Iowa, those under 100 acres can have big populations of bass and keep you going back for more. The smaller interior rivers of the state are smallmouth factories, do yourself a favor and pick one out to try this year. No matter what, doing your homework on a new body of water will lead you in the right direction, then paying attention to details. Trying a variety of areas and lures will help you gain confidence in another Iowa bass destination.
your bass catches. As with lakes after heavy rains, rivers across the state can get high, turbid, and muddy. When this occurs pick out a different river system that didn’t receive as much rain and start your search for bass on a different river. This may seem complicated but really isn’t, especially for the numerous smaller rivers that meander their way through the state. Again, before driving an hour or more to see a river you have never fished before, some homework is necessary. Be sure to check local forecasts of rain in the area and get acquainted with the bends and turns of the river with some map work. Google Earth is good for this, as well as any State of Iowa County website. These maps will help you find good access points for a canoe, boat or a place to wade the waters. After the research has been down it is time to put the river knowledge you already have and put it towards the new river. With any river in the state, no matter how large or how small; current is
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STAY-CATIONS ARE all the rage now. Taking a vacation without investing lots of time and money getting to the destination just makes a lot of sense. After all, the less time you spend traveling to your destination, the more time you can actually spend enjoying your destination. So what if I told you there was an Iowa staycation that would put you right in the midst of some of the most gorgeous scenery in the state with an opportunity to catch some of the most beautiful fish in North America? Sounds almost too good to be true, doesn’t it? I can assure you that it exists and once you make the trip, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t make the trip sooner. The area that I’m talking about is the section of Northeast Iowa that falls within the “driftless” region. The Driftless region is an area in Northeast Iowa, Southeast Minnesota and Western Wisconsin that was untouched by the glaciers as they receded at the end of the last ice age. This is why those scenic limestone bluffs abound in this area; they weren’t pulverized by the receding glacier into the glacial “drift” that covers much of the rest of the state. This makes the geology in that corner of the state unlike anywhere else in the state. In fact, that area is sometimes referred to as Little Switzerland because of the abundant hills and accompanying valleys in the area. This is also the reason there are spring-fed creeks throughout Northeast Iowa that have the temperature and chemistry to support healthy populations of brown trout, rainbow trout and brook trout. Add to that the abundant deer, turkey, grouse and other game that call the Driftless home and you can begin to understand why it such an outdoors-person’s paradise.
GATEWAY TO IOWA’S TROUT COUNTRY
For this staycation, I’m going to focus on the small town northeast of Decorah called Highlandville. Highlandville is really the gateway to some of the best trout fishing that northeast Iowa has to offer. South Bear Creek runs right through town and meets with North Bear Creek just east of town. Both creeks are dynamite brown trout fisheries, with legitimate opportunities at rainbow trout and brook trout as well. It’s very rare for me to make a trip to North or South Bear Creek May 2018
and not catch fish. I tend to favor North Bear Creek because it is somewhat more remote than South Bear Creek, especially at the northernmost two or three accesses where North Bear is furthest from town. Both creeks offer fish holding water that you can fish near the access points or hike further in to get away from other anglers. Both creeks also offer a variety of open pasture type of fishing as well as wooded stretches with multiple stretches of water ideally suited to dry fly fishing and many runs better suited to nymphing. North and South Bear are just the tip of the iceberg, however. Part of what makes Highlandville the gateway to Iowa’s trout country is the ease of access to several quality spring creeks that hold trout. A short drive to the west will find you at Coldwater Creek. Although much shorter than either of the Bears, Coldwater also has a nice mix of pasture and forested runs. Coldwater Creek is also unique in that there has actually been natural reproduction of rainbow trout, which is unheard of elsewhere in the state. While at Coldwater, it is worth the hike to the cave from which Coldwater emerges. No one has ever actually seen the spring head because Coldwater creek emerges from deep within the cave, but the cave itself is worth the hike. East of Highlandville is Waterloo Creek, which is probably THE best known brown trout fishery in the state, especially if it’s stream-born wild brown trout that trip your trigger. Some of the best fishing along Waterloo is within the small town of Dorchester that sits right along the creek,
but don’t overlook the section south of Dorchester with special regulations. This stretch is catch and release only and only artificial lures are allowed, so your chances of hooking a trophy here are very good. South and east of Highlandville is the other famous brown trout fishery in the state, French Creek. French is such a special fishery that its entire length has been designated as catch-and-release only and artificial lures only. South of Highlandville is one of my favorite creeks in the entire state. South Pine Creek takes a bit of work to access because of the 45 minute hike from the parking area, but it is well worth it. The hike out of South Pine is especially challenging because you are climbing out of the valley that South Pine runs through for most of the walk. South Pine is home to the South Pine strain of brook trout. This strain of brookie is unique to Iowa and has been there since well before the state was settled. South Pine’s remoteness also means that you won’t be fishing with a crowd and make it feel like the wildest trout stream in the state. On your way to Highlandville you will more than likely drive through Decorah, which also has a couple of trout streams located within or very near town. Probably the most worthwhile would be Trout Run on the southeast corner of town. Trout Run originates near the Decorah trout rearing station at Siewers Spring and flows to the northeast for two miles.
WHERE TO STAY?
There are lots of options for lodging during your trout staycation. The Highlandville General Store has a modern campground immediately adjacent to the store right along the banks of South Bear. You can also arrange to rent of the many Bear Creek Cabins through the general store. If roughing it is more your speed, the DNR allows primitive camping at several of the accesses. The more popular access points closer to Highlandville can get very busy on the weekends, so have a backup plan if you get there and there are no TheIowaSportsman.com
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TROUT STAY-CATION camping spots open. Sportsmen’s Motel and Campground in Dorchester has been the go-to for Waterloo creek anglers for many years, so definitely check them out if headed that way. Lodging options in Decorah are numerous with a multitude of hotels. I think the last time I went through Decorah there was even a new hotel being built, so there should be no shortage of hotel rooms for trout anglers. Pulpit Rock Campground is a very popular place for RV and tent-camping trout anglers, but is also popular with canoeists, kayakers, tubers and general campers, so it can get very busy on summer weekends so finding a spot may be a challenge. Pulpit Rock is located very near Twin Springs Park and the stream that runs through it is stocked as well, so that may be worth a few casts if you can get a spot at Pulpit Rock.
WHAT TO DO?
While there are no real restaurants, per se, in Highlandville, the general store is always a great place to grab a hot sandwich or frozen pizza for lunch and an ice cream bar for dessert. Even if you’re not hungry, the general store is always worth the stop. We never fail to stop there when we’re fishing in the area. I could spend the better part of a day just looking at all the proud angler and hunter photos that cover the front wall of the store. It’s also a great place to grab some groceries, pick up some new flies, a fly rod or fishing vest as well as any hunting gear you might need. The store also has a nice selection of trout and northeast Iowa themed gifts that would be great for the people you care about that didn’t make the trip with you. The rest of your after-fishing entertainment and dining options will likely be in Decorah. Being a decent sized town, Decorah has all the major fast-food restaurants like Culvers, Subway, Pizza Hut, Pizza Ranch and
McDonalds. Decorah also has a nice variety of mom-and-pop dining too, much of it right along its main route through downtown, Water Street. Our personal favorite is the pizza at Mabe’s, but there’s also BBQ, Mexican and International Cuisine. Whatever you end up having for supper, make sure to save room for some ice cream from The Whippy Dip! Be prepared to wait in line most summer nights, but its well worth the wait! There are a few other non-fishing activities in the area that are worth checking out. Decorah is also very well known for its challenging mountain bike trails. Because of the terrain and geology of the area the Decorah trails are some of the best in the state, so if you’ve got a mountain bike, be sure to bring it along. Decorah is also very popular for its paddling and tubing activities on the Iowa River. It’s no surprise with the scenic beauty that lines the entire river all the way through Decorah and there are several outfitters in the area that can get you set up with a canoe, kayak or float tube. No trip to Decorah would be complete without a trip to see the Ice Cave, which often has ice well into the summer months! The beautiful springhead at nearby Dunning’s Spring is also worth a few photos while you’re in the area. Last but certainly not least, the trout rearing station is definitely worth a visit when in Decorah. The fact that you can walk across the parking lot and fish Trout Run makes this stop a no-brainer. This is also where the world-famous Decorah Eagles are located and there will be quite a crowd if they have eaglets in the nest. After you’ve fished Trout Run, fed the trout at the rearing station, and watch the eagles, kick back and relax on a park bench near the spring head of Siewer’s Spring, which is the origin of Trout Run.
NORTHEAST IOWA DESTINATIONS
City of Elkader
PO Box 427, 207 N Main, Elkader, IA 52043 563-245-2098 • www.elkader-iowa.com
Sportsmen Motel
The Sportsmen Motel in Dorchester, Iowa offers 9 modern motel rooms nestled in the heart of Bluff Country. Staying at the Sportsmen allows you easy and quick access to all the outdoor activities you seek when visiting Northeast Iowa. You are within 5 minutes of the best trout fishing, deer & turkey hunting, kayaking, hiking, and birding you can find in the midwest. The Sportsmen Motel is situated between two bluffs, just off of Hwy 76, offering the quiet and natural beauty needed to end an active day in and around all that this natural wonder, we call Bluff Country. Please call 563-497-3615 for reservations, we are looking forward to your stay with us.
Chimney Rock Canoe Rental & Campground
3312 Chimney Rock Rd, Cresco, IA 52136 563-735-5786 • http://www.chimneyrocks.com/ 24
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NO MATTER HOW big or small the property, all land can benefit from habitat improvement projects and they don’t have to break the bank. For around $1,000, the average landowner can enhance their property with one or a combination of the following activities- sowing native grasses, creating bedding areas, planting fruit/mastbearing trees, installing food plots, and implementing habitat management plans. 26
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Small to medium size blocks of native grasses can dramatically increase the number of pheasants on your property. Finding suitable seed for your area is as simple as a quick internet search to find a seed dealer. For example, a 50-pound bag of Alamo switchgrass can be found for around $650. Depending on your preferred To Subscribe CALL 877-424-4594
seeding rate, this would be enough to cover 10-25 acres! The remaining $350 could then be used to purchase starter fertilizer with more than enough money left to prepare the seedbed. Last season, I was able to purchase 100 pounds of urea from a local coop for $12! Creating bedding areas is an effective way to increase the number of deer on your property. If you have wood lots or mature timber on the land, consult a certified forester to help identify unwanted trees within your stand. Afterwards, spend a weekend hingecutting trees; cutting only halfway through to let them fall and create instant bedding cover). Hinge-cutting does not kill the trees, so they continue to produce leaves and vertical shoots. If they are desirable browse species, a new food source can be created at the same time (https://www.qdma.com/ create-living-thicket-cover-hinge-cutting/). Felling trees also increases light penetration April 2018
to the forest floor and can increase the amount of browse available. This makes the “living thicket� even more attractive to deer and other species, and for a little sweat equity you may be amazed how many more deer call your land home. Planting trees is a phenomenal longterm investment on your land. To have more wildlife on your property, consider
mossy-oaks-nativ-nurseries). Not only do many varieties benefit wildlife species, the fruit and nuts can also be seasonal favorites for your family! The Iowa DNR partners with the Iowa State Forest Nursery to provide affordable, high-quality native plants for use in timber production, wildlife habitat restoration, erosion control, and other conservation-
IN THE SPRING, CONSIDER PLANTING AN ANNUAL MIX INCLUDING WHEAT, OATS, AND A MIX OF CLOVER VARIETIES. MIXES LIKE THIS PROVIDE MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF GREEN FORAGE, ARE IRRESISTIBLE TO DEER AND TURKEYS, AND TOLERATE A WIDE VARIETY OF SOIL CONDITIONS. planting fruit and nut trees and various types of grasses and shrubs that produce food and cover for wildlife (https://www. mossyoak.com/our-obsession/blogs/howto/most-popular-nut-and-fruit-trees-at-
related endeavors (http://www.iowadnr. gov/Conservation/Forestry/State-ForestNursery). A mix of native mast-bearing hardwoods, fruit trees, and shrubs can create cover, support pollinators, and provide high TheIowaSportsman.com
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5 THINGS EVERYONE CAN DO TO THEIR LAND TO IMPROVE WILDLIFE quality forage for multiple species. For example, a windbreak composed of wild plum, elderberry, lilac, redbud, and hazelnut, can provide vital winter security cover and food for deer, pheasants, and small game. It can also double as an attractive, fragrant, and delicious resource for you and your family! In the fall the DNR offers a Fall Color Packet that can include up to 250 bareroot seedlings. The seedlings are typically between 8 and 24 inches, depending on the tree or shrub species. The best part is that the cost of the Fall Color Specialty Packet is typically around $200. With proper planning, planting, and maintenance, the long-term return on this investment can be priceless! Food plots are an essential tool for individuals looking to maximize production of deer, pheasants, quail, and small game on their property. Although very popular, unless you have a large number of acres available to plant, corn and soybeans are not always the best choice. In smaller areas, very often the plants are mowed down by deer and other species prior to maturity, limiting their value for the remainder of the season. Another item to consider is what the predominant food sources are in the area. If your property is surrounded by row crop,
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a more diverse food plot strategy could maximize attractiveness to deer, turkeys, and other game species. In the spring, consider planting an annual mix including wheat, oats, and a mix of clover varieties. Mixes like this provide massive amounts of green forage, are irresistible to deer and turkeys, and tolerate a wide variety of soil conditions. The clover also attracts insects which are vital to pheasant production in spring and summer. When the annuals begin to die
off in mid-summer, the plot can be tilled or inter-seeded to meet changing nutritional needs and ensure consistent availability before and after frost. Depending on the animals you want to attract, you may want to introduce chicory, forage brassicas, and turnips in the mix. Regardless of what you decide to plant, very often a visit to a local feed store or coop can result in significant savings over the popular name brand food plot mixes. For reference, a high quality “Big Buck Mix” can cost as little as $20 per acre to plant and can attract, pull, and hold deer from surrounding properties. This same mix will also last all season vs. a corn or bean plot that may be barren before the end of the rut. To guarantee the long-term success of any habitat improvement project, an associated habitat management plan should be developed. A phone call to your local FSA office can connect you with experts in this field so you don’t go into the process blind. They can assess your goals and help you determine appropriate maintenance intervals to effectively manage noxious and invasive species. For example, they can help you understand options around tillage, spraying, and prescribed burns and the specific benefits of each. These resources are free and available to everyone, and you do not need a CRP contract to receive support. Habitat improvement projects do not have to cover hundreds of acres or cost tens of thousands of dollars to implement. Extraordinary pheasant production can be achieved on 10 acres or less with the right mix of habitat and food. A farm with a marginal resident deer herd can be vastly improved to hold more deer with the addition of designated bedding cover and strategically placed food plots. Now is the time to design and execute your habitat improvement project for 2018!
FOOD PLOTS ARE AN ESSENTIAL TOOL FOR INDIVIDUALS LOOKING TO MAXIMIZE PRODUCTION OF DEER, PHEASANTS, QUAIL, AND SMALL GAME ON THEIR PROPERTY.
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DOES IT FEEL like days and days have passed as you’ve hunted tirelessly to fill that last season tag? The hours, miles, and tactics that you’ve tried haven’t produced a successful hunt and you feel like you’re running out of ideas. Hang in there! It’s not over yet. The clock might be ticking down, but the bell has not rung yet. So gather yourself up once more and rethink what you might need to do in order to be looking down your barrel at a strutting tom turkey! 30
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Late season can be one of the most frustrating seasons for a hunter. Fourth season is the longest season that our great state offers, but it doesn’t mean that the hunts during that time are a chip shot. What you do in the previous three seasons to coax a turkey in may not work in the last. You have to be a hunter that is willing to change things up, try something new, and be willing to learn. To Subscribe CALL 877-424-4594
With that said, let’s take some time to cover a few truths and tactics that might help you have some success during May. Maybe these are things that you’ve done before. Maybe they are new. Regardless, read through them with the hope that it might “spark” an idea that you can use this Spring.
PATTERN THE FLOCK
By this time in the season turkey flocks, hens, and toms have a pretty consistent routine. In the mornings most of the birds will go out and feed. Cut cornfields, beanfields, hay ground, and open spaces provide a great source of food. Grazing over what’s left of last falls crop and even the bugs that are out will accomplish a turkey’s morning task, fill the belly! After breakfast, most of the mature hens will return to their nests to sit on their clutch of eggs. There may be anywhere from nine to thirteen eggs in a nest and the hens will be vigilant to sit on those eggs until they hatch. If the hens are taking their time on their nests that means the toms and jakes are on the roam. Jakes and toms will spend the rest of the day still grazing and feeding, but also looking for a lone hen who might still be interested in breeding. However, the drive to breed is dwindling so calling may not be the “sure thing” to bring him in. You need to know where he’s visiting. Four years ago, I fell into the same May 2018
situation. I was hunting a friends farm and he had told me that the toms and jakes, through the day, had been crisscrossing his hayfield. After getting out early and spending the first few hours in a blind without hearing a call I looked out across the hayfield, sure enough, a tom was coming across at about 100 yards out. Twenty minutes later, he came back. Over the next few hours, he must have crossed back and forth half a dozen times. So, I took a chance. I knew what my friend had seen over the past weeks and I knew what I had seen that morning. I scanned the layout of the hayfield and noticed a deadfall near the point where this turkey would enter the timber in his back-and-forth game. I waited until he
turkey seasons (four if you include the youth season), Iowa’s turkeys have been educated as to what is going on. Some of them, due to the pressure that they experience, will seek a safer place to live out the Spring and Summer. If you have the privilege or luck to hunt a large track of land and you are not seeing them where you have seen them before, I would suggest that you put on your walking shoes and go the distance. Some of Iowa’s public land consists of some very large parcels of property. The average hunter that visits these areas are reluctant to venture deep into these areas. If you want to find the birds that have wised up during the season, give this a try. Grab your gear and head deeper into
FOURTH SEASON IS THE LONGEST SEASON THAT OUR GREAT STATE OFFERS, BUT IT DOESN’T MEAN THAT THE HUNTS DURING THAT TIME ARE A CHIP SHOT. had passed and high tailed it to that deadfall. 20 minutes later, he was coming back. The tom was heading right towards the deadfall, while keeping his eye on the blind where I HAD been sitting. When he came within 45 yards, my shot ended his late-morning routine.
FIND NEW TERRITORY
Over the previous weeks of Iowa’s first three
the timber. Along the way, look for sign that turkey have been making these areas their homes. Scat, scratching, and maybe a feather or two could give you the information you need to find reason to hunt this new area. While you’re walking, stop and call occasionally. The calls might just trigger that lone gobbler to sound off in response and come in to investigate. You have to be ready! TheIowaSportsman.com
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FOUR STRATEGIES FOR LATE SEASON TURKEYS
BE READY TO MOVE
When I was young, my father and grandfather attempted to hunt every spring. Only a few times over the years did they have luck. Grandpa’s tactic…find a place, sit, and call. Moving was NEVER something that he suggested. Frankly, it is not a bad tactic, but when it comes to late season hunting, I think you have to be ready to consider other options. As I mentioned earlier in this article, turkeys, by now, have wised up. If they have experienced some hunters through the previous Iowa seasons, they will get pretty good at knowing what is real and what is fake. They will know where calls are coming from and if it is truly a call of interest to them. So don’t be surprised if they don’t rush into your late season calling. The “dumb” birds have been killed by now. You are dealing with the wiser ones of the bunch. If you venture into the woods and you happened to strike a call from a lone gobbler, take a bit of time and continue to call. Don’t call too much! At this point in the season, less is more. If, after a while, he has not moved any closer to your calls you have one of two choices and both have some value. First, you could try moving in closer to the bird that is responding. If you use the lay of the topography properly you might be able to
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get a shot at him. The other suggestion, move away! That’s right, you heard me! Move further away from him! It might be just the tactic to make him question, “What’s going on?” and cause him to investigate. The hope is that it will sound like a hen that has lost her interest. A tom might try to do what he can to get her to come to him. And thus, come to you!
TAKE THE SHOT
When it comes to making the shot during the later season, there’s a couple of things that I need to bring up here. First of all, be mindful of what you are shooting. What I mean by that is consider the caliber of the gun you are choosing as well as the size of bullet that you put in it. Here’s why. By late season, again, birds are educated. They may be interested in your call or setup but might have EXTREME hesitation in approaching it. I’ve had quite a few birds in the past come to field edges, see my decoys, and strut at a distance. It’s not that they see me, and it’s not that they are held up by hens. Simply put, they are wise enough to “think” about things before they commit. Now sometimes after “investigating”, they will come closer. But it will be very slowly. Sometimes, they might come half
way and wait for “you” to come the rest of the distance. Obviously, you need to have the firepower to cover that distance which is probably much further than you’d normally take a shot at. Consider switching to a larger caliber gun with 3½ inch shells. Make sure you have a good choke tube that will help you with your pattern at that distance. Practice shooting 50-60 yards. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did! The second thing to consider, don’t be ashamed to shoot a jake. If you’re like me, I’m always trying to find a mature tom with a good length in spurs. I know, it’s not how everybody is, but that’s how I am. Especially in the early seasons. When it comes to the late season hunts, especially when time is slowly slipping away, my standards will change. I’d rather fill a tag with something than have it empty! So consider taking what comes. Both a tom and a jake will make a tasty meal. Don’t be afraid to pull the trigger on either! When it’s all said and done, you want to have the confidence that you tried everything that you could to fill your tag. Even if you come up empty handed, you’ll be fulfilled. However, with some strategy and careful pursuit there’s no reason why you couldn’t put a turkey on the table come Thanksgiving! Good luck!
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GROWING UP IN IOWA, most of my fishing memories were forged on the shore lines of a local lake or farm pond. I have since expanded my fishing quests by taking to the water in a kayak! If you are looking to expand your Iowa water adventures, there are a few questions I will answer for you before deciding to navigate the State’s waterways by way of kayak.
“HOW DO I DECIDE WHAT KAYAK TO GET?”
Boats range in price, size, hull shape (bottom of the boat), and deck design (top of the boat). You will want to find a boat that fits your budget, that also fits the type of activity that you are planning to use it for. Here are some of the common attributes that you will want to consider in your boat search: 34
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• Price: Kayaks range in price from $200 - $5,000 depending on brand, size, features, etc. Most of the more expensive boats are built to do and handle more than you will need for any of Iowa’s waterways. Finding a boat with the options you will need or want is the most important factor in finding your kayak budget. • Boat Length: The length of the boat makes a huge difference when it comes
to speed, stability, and energy required to maneuver your watery terrain. Longer boats track (move in a straight line) better, move through the water faster, and require less energy to propel the boat per stroke of the paddle. Shorter boats are nice for current paddling, as they are usually a little wider and provide a more stable platform for moving water, however will take more effort to maneuver in still waters. • Weight capacity: When considering the carrying capacity of your boat, include your weight plus any gear you plan to bring along. Make sure your boat can carry you and your supplies comfortably. You do not want to be in a hairy situation with an overloaded kayak or canoe, the results can be dangerous and financially heartbreaking. • Other considerations: Other factors To Subscribe CALL 877-424-4594
in purchasing a kayak are hull shape, deck design/options, storage options, outfitting options (fishing, day tripping, etc.), and accessories available. Most of these are going to be situationally dependent and will be unique to each adventure seeker. Consider the first three options (price, boat length, and weight capacity) first, and then find the boat that meets the “want to haves” that fit your use best!
“WHAT ABOUT A PADDLE? OR SHOULD I JUST USE MY HANDS?”
A good paddle is as important as the boat you choose and will make a big difference in your enjoyment of kayaking. Paddles have several options to consider including: shaft material, blade shape, and adjustability options. Consider these when you decide on April 2018
what paddle will fit you best. • Shaft weight/Shape: The shaft of a paddle is the long tube that connects the blades on either end. Shafts can vary in weight, stiffness, material, and adjustability. Typical materials are plastic, aluminum, and carbon fiber, which are listed in order from most to least heavy. Lighter shafts are usually more expensive, however if you plan to be out for hours at a time, the weight can make a huge difference! The shaft shape can also make a difference in how sore you will be after your first few paddles. • Paddle Length: Paddles range in total length (blade tip to blade tip) and are measured in centimeters. You want the length of paddle to compliment your height and your boat width. This will ensure you have enough length to propel
the boat efficiently while being comfortable to maneuver from a seated position. Most retailers can fit you for a paddle based on your height and kayak width measurements. • Blade Shape: The blades are the “paddles” that propel you through the water on each end of the shaft. They have different shapes, widths, lengths, and other options that are all designed to move you through the water at different speeds and levels of efficiency. Blade style revolves around the way you paddle (high or low angle), and a simple conversation with a retailer can steer you in the right direction for what blade style will fit you best.
“DOES THE STYLE OF LIFE JACKET I WEAR MATTER?”
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KAYAK 101 and your recreational activity, your life jacket style may not matter. The most critical factors to consider are that you have a life jacket that fits you, that is built for your body weight, and that you WEAR IT. Try several styles on and find the one that is going to provide you the safety/ comfortability you need for your recreation style. They do make several lines that are built for the kayaker. These typically ride higher in the back to make sure they don’t interfere with the seat. They are more form fitting to ensure that they are not in the way when paddling, fishing etc. Typically, they are less bulky and have pockets and other gear holding offerings to make organizing and accessing your gear easy.
“I HAVE NEVER KAYAKED BEFORE. IS IT HARD TO DO?”
Kayaking is actually very easy to master, but like every other skill, it takes practice. To get started, you will need to get comfortable in these areas to make sure you are adventure ready. • Launching your Kayak: This probably takes the most practice to get good at. Find a spot that you safely put your boat into the water and can wade in about knee high. Get your gear into the boat and situated the way you want it. It may feel awkward at first however the safest method to get into either a sit in or sit on top kayak is to straddle the front of the boat and pull it between your legs as far as you can and slowly sit down into the kayak. Once you are in, you can use your paddle to propel yourself out into the main water body or use it as a shoving tool to push off the bottom until you can start paddling. • Rocking and Paddling: Kayaks range in stability, however they are all hard to tip if you are careful and deliberate in your maneuvers. Practice in shallow water (water that you can paddle in but can also stand up in) for your first couple times out. Rock your boat side to side carefully to get yourself used to the idea that this is normal. You will find that your boat has a sweet spot when tilting to either side where the hull stops tipping and catches for a moment. This is the farthest that you can tip “safely” when maneuvering your boat. Practice keeping yourself centered and upright when paddling and find your rhythm for steering your kayak. Once you get comfortable, start to spread your water wings and practice in different situations. Before you 36
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know it, you will feel like a pro! • Moving Around: This is especially important for fishermen. You will likely have rods, tackle, or other gear behind you in the boat, in front of you in the boat, or on your life jacket. Practice getting into the boat and reaching around for gear in shallow water until you find the best system that works for you to get to your gear quickly, comfortably, and safely.
“WHERE CAN I GO KAYAKING?”
Anywhere! Iowa has thousands of acres of streams, rivers, ponds, and recreational lakes to take your new kayak to. Hit up the DNR website to find a State Park, County Conservation area, or other recreational waterway near you.
“DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FROM A SEASONED KAYAKER?”
• Iowa does require kayaks and canoes that are over 13’ in length to be registered. In Iowa, any kayak over 12’ is overkill for the waterways we have access to, however I personally own a 14’ Tarpon so mine requires registration. • Make sure you bring a floating waterproof container or some gallon baggies to store your electronics, or other valuables in so they do not get wet in the event your boat does go over. • A paddle that fits you is good, a paddle that fits you and floats is better. • Launching from a boat ramp is ideal, but keep in mind that you should yield the ramp to motorized boaters for your safety. They are not always looking for you when backing trailers and boats into or pulling out of the ramp. Be very aware of your surroundings! • Bring a flashlight and or coast guard whistle to signal others if you are in distress. This is especially important if you are on a river or larger waterbody and can be hard to see or find for other recreators or DNR rangers. • Let someone else know where you are going so that in the event something bad happens, they know where to look for you or your boat. You can never be too careful! • Most importantly, don’t be afraid to get wet, and don’t forget to have fun!
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May 2018
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Photo: Chelsea and Eric Eul, Courtesy of Clear Waters Outfitting
DISCOVER RIVER FISHING
INTHE LAND OF 10,000 LAKES By Lisa Meyers McClintick
o
n a blue-sky summer day, the Mississippi River curves and flows around St. Cloud’s Beaver Islands, where anglers easily find solitude along this scenic stretch in a boat, canoe, fishing kayak, or simply casting from parks along the shore. “This stretch [of the Mississippi from St. Cloud to Anoka] has become one of the top river smallmouth bass fisheries in the country,” says Dan Meer, owner of Clear Waters Outfitting Co. “Smallmouth bass are known to be the best fighting fish per pound,” which makes them a fun challenge to catch. The famed Mississippi originates humbly at Itasca State Park and journeys more than 600 miles through Minnesota, including its 1.7-mile-wide Lake Pepin. Commercial boat traffic can go as far as Minneapolis, but even the busier, southern stretches of Mississippi appeal to paddlers and anglers who find the bluff country’s quiet backwaters rich in wildlife and a variety of fish including northern pike, walleye, muskie, largemouth bass, crappies and catfish. Fly fishing Root River in Preston, Minnesota boasts more than 6,500 natural rivers and streams comprising more than 69,000 miles. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers fishing classes,
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maintains more than 30 state water trails, and numerous state parks where you can check out free rods and reels and tackle boxes. Check the DNR fishing page for where to go and updates on access points, fishing piers, river landscapes and wildlife, rapids and water levels, fish consumption advisories and outfitters that can provide shuttles, watercraft and maps. River anglers also can join organizations such as Minnesota Kayak Fishing Association or team up with someone who can leave a vehicle at the final pullout destination so you can go with the flow on your river of choice. Kayaks generally maneuver shallow waters better than boats, and can be easier to get onto the water. Newer designs include hands-free propulsion
and modern electronics for locating fish. Beyond the Mississippi, here’s a sampling of Minnesota’s better-known rivers:
CANNON RIVER
Flowing through the rolling hills and woods south of the Twin Cities, this rural river yields northern pike, black crappies, catfish and smallmouth bass.
MINNESOTA RIVER
From its confluence with the Mississippi River below historic Fort Snelling in St. Paul, this placid river flows 370 miles south to Mankato and west to Big Stone Lake at Ortonville. Known for channel and flathead catfish (including a 50-pounder), it’s also possible to reel in walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass and sauger. Big Stone Lake, Lac qui Parle and Upper Sioux Agency state parks all offer fishing kits to borrow.
RED RIVER
Flowing north along Minnesota’s northwest border, this warm, muddy river harbors channel catfish, smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, sauger and lake sturgeon. Campsites can be found along the shore at East Grand Forks’ Red River State Recreation Area. CALL 888-VISITMN
ROOT RIVER
Smallmouth bass, catfish, rock bass and more can be found in this gentle to moderate flowing river through southeast Minnesota. Some spots may harbor brown trout, which thrives in the region’s smaller streams.
ST. CROIX RIVER
With the Dalles rocky bluffs and glacial potholes at Interstate State Park, this river dividing northern Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota delivers dramatic scenery along with smallmouth bass, catfish, walleye, sauger and lake sturgeon among its 60-plus species of fish. Other state parks along its shores: Afton, St. Croix and Wild River.
ST. LOUIS RIVER
This Iron Range river known for dramatic rapids sought by expert paddlers joins Lake Superior at Duluth, where its 12,000-acre sprawl makes it North America’s largest freshwater estuary. Restoration efforts are underway to reclaim the estuary from former industries and improve access for anglers seeking walleye, northern pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass and sturgeon. For more on fishing in Minnesota, visit exploreminnesota.com/fishing. CALL 888-VISITMN
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CALL 888-VISITMN
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Large food plots or agricultural fields are fun to hunt on because they draw a lot of deer and you very rarely get skunked. But, they are nearly impossible to hunt effectively. A better solution are several smaller plots to hunt over located between bedding and larger food sources.
THIS MONTH’S QUESTION comes from Mark in northeast Iowa. He writes “I have 160 acres of mixed timber and farm ground that I hunt. About 80 acres are open ground with 60 acres of row crops along the road on the east border of the farm, and another 20 acres of alfalfa hay right in the center of the property. There are plenty of deer in the area and every year we get some really nice bucks on our cameras but very rarely see them hunting. The deer are spread out all over and there doesn’t seem to be any patterns to their movements at all. I would like to put in some food plots because once the row crops are harvested it seems like the deer are less and less as the alfalfa freezes. I can do whatever I want with the tillable ground, right now it is leased out to a farmer. Should I put in a bunch of small harvest plots or just a couple bigger ones? I would like to have great archery hunting and late muzzy if I can. Thank you.” 42
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I called and talked with Mark about his property for a few minutes and he described a very nice farm. The farm is mostly flat with some rolling hills, but no terrain features that funnel deer per say. Once the row crops are harvested on the east side of the property, the farmer that rents the property usually fall tills leaving only the alfalfa. The 20 acres of alfalfa does draw a lot of deer until at least midNovember each year but the deer are very hard to pattern going to this large of a field. He has stands placed throughout the farm but he is always bumping deer going to the stands or bumping deer off the alfalfa after his evening hunts. Mark’s case or scenario is not unusual. Many hunters find themselves each fall with a buck or two they would like to hunt and take, only they can’t quite put To Subscribe CALL 877-424-4594
themselves in front of their target animal. I worked with Mark making specific suggestions for him that should help in patterning his deer herd better and creating spots he can ambush deer going to and from food sources, as well as creating other ambush sites like fence jumps and crossings. This is what we came up with. The tillable ground to the east Mark will continue to rent out. This gives him 60 acres of income producing land and acreage he can use to access some stand sites. The crown jewel of the property that we then wanted to exploit was that 20-acre field in the center of the property. A 20acre field, in my opinion, is just too big for a hunting scenario. The field was mostly rectangular in shape with the field edge being almost 1300 yards in total length. Deer were entering and exiting the field all over the place making predictability very tough. Hunting the field was also a challenge because on evening hunts, Mark would bust most of the deer feeding on the alfalfa when he got down from his stand each night. We decided to reduce the field to about 6 acres in size. The remaining 14 acres would be planted in warm season grasses with pockets of woody browse. The warm season grasses along with the pockets of browse would create additional bedding habitat for the local deer herd. The remaining 6-acre plot would be planted in soybeans or corn or rotated between the two. My favorite is soybeans because it is more economical to plant and has lower input costs. So, that’s one larger food plot centrally located on his property. It was agreed that this plot would not be hunted or traveled through during the entire early archery season. By doing this, Mark is
establishing an evening food source where the deer feel safe and won’t experience any hunting pressure. This will keep deer on a bed to food, and food to bed pattern pretty much all fall. The next step, was to create transition food plots located for the hunter’s advantage between normal bedding and feeding routes. Four of these small plots (about 1/10 to ¼ acre in size) would be created in areas Mark could get to without bumping deer and hunt them with different wind directions. The idea is to hunt the transition area food plots on morning and evening hunts when the deer are traveling back and forth from the main 6-acre plot and their bedding areas. In this
A BIG MISTAKE I SEE HUNTERS MAKE ALL TOO OFTEN IS TO SIMPLY TAKE ANY AVAILABLE OPEN GROUND THAT WILL GROW A FOOD PLOT AND PLANT ONE THERE.
May 2018
way, Mark is helping to manipulate where the deer will want to travel and how they can be hunted. No more bumping deer on the way in and out of stands either. I’ve used this approach or a variation of it for the past 20 years hunting whitetail on farms that I have some or total control of. The great thing about this kind of setup is that you…the hunter…gets to decide where the transition plots and main feeding plot are located up front. The main feeding plot is designed to give the deer their main source of food each and every day…while the transition plots are like the dinner salad bar where the deer stop to eat a bit and bucks scrape and rub and leave rutting signs. The beauty of it is that in almost all cases, deer will make their way past these transition plots before quitting time in the evening… and not quite getting back to them in the morning making exit and entrance from
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WHITETAILS 365
your stands ideal. They are by name and how they are used transition plots. A big mistake I see hunters make all too often is to simply take any available open ground that will grow a food plot and plant one there. Sometimes, there will be food plots scattered throughout a property with no thought going into how it is affecting deer movement, how will the plot be hunted, how does the hunter get in there and back out. Simply planting a food plot, big or small, because you have the resources and acreage to do so isn’t always a good idea. This is especially true with food plots planted in the timber. You know, those little openings in the timber that would look so good in a lush clover plot! Be careful! More times than not, those secluded spots way back in the timber planted in a food plot hurt your chances rather than help them. I love food plots as much or more than anybody I know, but I’ve learned through mistakes that their location is more important than what is planted in them. I like to stay off my main food plot until well after the gun seasons. This keeps the deer on my property on a secure and comfortable bed to feed pattern from season opener in early fall right through the gun seasons. Then, if I want to, I’ll start hunting this grain food source during the late season when it’s draw power will be at its highest. A standing soybean or cornfield during late December or early January is an awesome place for late archery or muzzleloader season. And, because deer have been feeding there all fall…with no pressure, my chances of capitalizing on an evening hunt are still 44
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very good. Remember this when planning out your larger plots too if you plan on hunting them later on in the season…how will they be hunted? How too will you get to these plots and back out without bumping deer. Coming full circle, when answering Mark’s original question, he should be planting both small transition plots (I also refer to these as interior plots) and one larger main plot. When planning out the plots, he needs to centrally locate the main plot where he can be assured the deer can feed there without any hunting or human pressure presence throughout the season. The transition plots need to be located between the bedding and the main plot in areas he chooses to locate them (not necessarily where it’s easy or convenient) and where he can get to them to hunt without bumping deer. These transition plots will become great places to ambush deer and if set up correctly, it will enable him to hunt these plots all season long without putting excessive pressure on the deer he is hunting. If the deer he is hunting don’t feel pressured, and there are good bucks in the area, it will only be a matter of time before one of his shooters steps in front of his setup. Good luck Mark!
Make sure to send any questions or ideas about what you’d like me to write about to tapeppy@gmail. com.
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Palo Outdoors
1204 1st Street Palo, IA 52324 319-851-5290 www.palo-outdoors.com
R & R Sports
3250 Fields Drive Bettendorf, IA 52722 563-243-4696 www.randrsportsinc.com
Southern Archery 325 11th St SW Spencer, IA 51301 712-262-7213
Fin & Feather
125 Hwy 1 W Iowa City, IA 52246 319-354-2200 www.finfeather.com
Sommerfeld Outfitters 330 N Main St Lidderdale, IA 51452 712-822-5780 www.shopsommerfeld.com
The Iowa Outdoors Store 1597 3rd Ave NW Fort Dodge, IA 50501 515-955-HUNT (4868) www.iowaoutdoorstore.com
May 2018
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I LIVE IN THE IOWA GREAT LAKES, home of some of the best ice fishing in Iowa. Don’t get me wrong, I love ice fishing. However, after nearly five months of cold, snow, wind and ice, I can’t wait for ICE OUT! Ice out! Now, that’s not such a big deal for anglers living along the Mississippi River and in southern Iowa, but up here in Northwest Iowa, it is a big deal. 46
The Iowa Sportsman
There are really three choices, when it comes to early Spring walleye fishing: lakes, inland rivers and the Mississippi River. The pre-spawn time is a great time as the walleyes put on the feedbag in preparation for the spawn. Of course, there are areas that have specific size restraints and are closed during this pre-spawn and To Subscribe CALL 877-424-4594
LOOKING FOR FIRST OPEN WATER
spawn timeline. So, it’s important to know the regulations for the body of water you are looking at fishing. There are times that this fishing is phenomenal, but personally, I only keep enough eating size (14-18 inchers) for a fresh meal from time to time. Most of those fish are males. If I happen to catch the larger pre-spawn females, I will turn them back. Obviously, boat fishing offers anglers a lot more flexibility and mobility, but the other two options work very well. Once you pick your body of water, it comes down to three more choices: boat fishing, wader fishing and shore/bank fishing.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
The use of a boat offers a lot of flexibility and gives you the ability to be more mobile. This especially holds true when fishing lakes or the Mississippi River. I feel comfortable on most lakes. However, the Mississippi River offers the challenge of moving water and current. It is here that I will rely on someone who has more expertise than I when it comes to handling the boat. The one huge variable on the Mississippi River is the potential 48
The Iowa Sportsman
for flooding. Quick snowmelt up north or huge Spring rains can turn the river into a truly dangerous place to be. The tail waters always seem to be good, but this is where a lot of the boats end up. I consider each pool to be its own body of water, so you have a lot of choices from northeast to southeast Iowa. Unless I have my own fishing expert taking me, I rely on local bait shops to at least give me a general indication and location. With water temperatures in the 30s or low 40s, walleyes are still in the early pre-spawn period. They might be found holding in light current and feeding off and on. Some of the top locations include the edges of the main channel, deep holes and washouts around wing dams and other current breaks. It takes searching, but try different depths, say from 12-20 to over 30 feet of water. As pre-spawn draws to a close, walleyes will near their spawning areas, along gravel or rocking or riprap shorelines where the current is light.
INLAND RIVERS
Mention the Cedar, Shell Rock, Wapsipincicon, East and West Forks of To Subscribe CALL 877-424-4594
the Des Moines, and Little Sioux rivers, and walleye anglers really become excited. Again, these rivers can really be susceptible to heavy runoff and go from easily accessible to not accessible. Now, in the Summer and Fall, these rivers are great for floating or motoring with small boats and kayaks. However, in the Spring, I stay away from being on the river. Each of these rivers is known for great walleye fishing. As pre-spawn begins, the walleyes will move upstream to a lowhead dam or a spillway. I find this the perfect time of year to fish from the bank at these areas. Sometimes, it takes walking into an area on, hopefully, state or federally owned land. If it is private land, make sure to get permission. Although I consider inland rivers to be untapped fisheries, when the bite begins, the word gets out and lots of anglers come to these areas.
LAKES
The fun thing about lakes is you can use a boat, fish from shore or from waders. When you start to think about it, Iowa
has a lot of walleye lakes, both large and deep and small and shallow. Of course, any of the lakes south of Highway 20 are usually free of ice much sooner than lakes to the north. What I like about prespawn walleye fishing on lakes is that you can access them via waders or from shore with some of the best fishing coming in the shallows. The first thing to look for is running water coming in from a tributary, a stream, even a tile or a current area like around bridges. It is the lure of the rocks and rubble that bring the pre-spawn males into the shallows. The sun’s warmth is especially important as it warms the water temperature and triggers fish activity. Often working the shallows, and the windy side of the lake will be better as it pushes baitfish that way. Lowlight conditions in the shallows are preferable with the evening usually being warmer for anglers to fish. If you are going to boat fish during the day, try the windy side and maybe just out deep enough so that the fish don’t see or sense the boat. When talking shallows, it might mean casting out to 5 feet deep and then bringing the jig back slowly. I’ve also fished off of docks in lowlight conditions that were in 6 feet of water and caught walleyes casting back toward shore in just a few inches of water. If you are going to be wading, make sure to dress in layers and have a good set of chest waders, because that water is definitely cold! By the evening’s end you will be glad you have a good pair of neoprene/thinsulate chest waders.
PRESENTATIONS
Think spring walleye, river or lake, and lots of anglers turn to jigs tipped with a minnow, a Berkley powerbait or a Mister Twister. Some like the short shanked hooks like Northland’s Fireball jig for casting and retrieving, while others like long shanked hooks for putting on plastics or twister tails and if they are vertical jigging. Others will use a slip bobber and a plain hook tipped with a minnow and let wave action move the bait. Some anglers fishing after dark or before sunlight will use lighted bobbers and a minnow. So, yes, I live in ice fishing country, but it’s time to hit the open water for pre-spawn walleyes!
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I DON’T THINK ANYTHING beats being out in nature on a nice summer day. Whether it is going for a walk on a neighborhood pathway, along a favorite stream or in the woods‌a gentle breeze and sunny skies make for the perfect combination. UNLESS you happen to come across these three poisonous plants: poison ivy, stinging nettles and wild parsnip. If your skin does come into contact, good chances are you will feel the pain! However, these three plants should not keep you out of your favorite POISON IVY one that all of us have been warned summer haunts. Instead, we need to know how to recognize and avoid, and if you theThe most since we were little is poison ivy. Remember the nursery rhyme? Leaves of come into physical contact what to do to minimize the effect on the skin. 50
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three, leave them be! Probably the most common identification characteristic is to think of three (leaves): a stem with a larger leaf at the end and two smaller leaves off to the sides of a long stem with no thorns. It is most commonly found as a climbing vine on a tree trunk or up a fence or as a low shrub. The plant is reddish in the spring, green in the summer and yellow/orange in the fall. When the leaves are green, they are a dark and waxy green when viewed from above. Poison ivy will May 2018
produce small opaque white or yellowish berries. Coming into contact with poison ivy most often results in a red, painful rash, caused by a sticky oil called urushiol. Some people that inhale the urushiol will get a very serious allergic reaction. The oil can penetrate the skin within 5-10 minutes with a rash appearing as quickly as four hours or the next day. In rare occasions, the rash might not appear for 2-3 weeks. If you know you have been in contact
with poison ivy, first wash off with vinegar followed by washing with water, but make sure it is not hot water. Do not take a shower or over wash in order to minimize spreading the rash. Next wash off with a dish soap that will readily break up oil. If the rash has already appeared, rinse off the affected area, and then one of the old methods of drawing out the poison and sooth the rash is making a paste of baking soda. Wash the affected clothes separately from other clothes. Putting an TheIowaSportsman.com
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BE CAREFUL OF POISONOUS PLANTS ... AND PESKY ONES TOO! ice pack or a cold towel with ice can help alleviate pain. For people that break into severe rash and blisters, it is a good idea to see a physician or head to the emergency room. Two plants are sometimes mistaken as poison ivy. The first is the Virginia creeper, which actually has five leaves and has a woody vine. Its berries are blueblack. The box elder will sometimes have three leaves in the spring, but later in the season will have five to seven per stem.
from. As you brush up against it, plant hairs inject acid into the skin, almost like getting a shot. However, the skin’s reaction is milder than with poison ivy or wild parsnip, and it usually clears up within just a few minutes. To avoid discomfort, however, wash the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible to both relieve the sting and to remove the nettle hairs. The baking soda concoction also helps sooth the rash. Avoid scratching or rubbing the affected area.
WILD PARSNIP
STINGING NETTLES
Stinging nettles are often found in woodlands near streams, in disturbed areas, pastures, farmyards and along roadsides. They can be a short six inches in height or several feet tall. Leaves grow opposite each other on the stem. However, the wood nettle plant has alternate leaves and grows in shaded forests, but will sting you just the same as the stinging nettle. The stinging nettles are found on the stem of the plant, which is stiff. Leaves are about 2-5 inches long with jagged edges, found in opposing pairs along the upper half of the stalk. Leaves are pointed at the tips, with a heartshaped base and indented veins. The plant will have small “hairs” up the stalk and stems. This is where the stinging comes
Wild parsnip is an exotic that is spreading like crazy across Iowa. Its telltale characteristic is the dreaded yellow-green umbrel flower that appears from May to July. Wild parsnip looks like several other native species, like Queen Anne’s Lace --- which has a white flower, and it looks almost identical to golden Alexander. The best way to tell the two plants apart is by the leaves. Wild parsnip has deeply forked leaves, while those of golden Alexander are overall smooth with fine serrations.
Wild parsnip has been in the news a lot these past couple of years. It shows up in huge groupings in ditches, along road edges and approaches, along the edges of trees and bike trails. Of these three poisonous plants, the wild parsnip really carries a wallop! When crushed, wild parsnip releases a sap that if left on the skin can react with sunlight and cause a damaging and painful burn. If you get sap on your skin, wash the affected area immediately with soap and cold water. It is really important to stay out of the sunlight for 48 hours because it can take several days for a reaction to occur. Sunlight really exasperates the rash as the plant’s chemicals causes a reaction in the sunlight that breaks down human
cells and tissues. Apply sunscreen to affected areas if you can’t stay out of the sun. A lot of people have ended up in the emergency room after coming into physical contact with the weed. The rash can last for weeks and the scars can be detected for years. The problem with this rash is that
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it often explodes into blisters. This is how the Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine describes the rash. “In more severe cases, the skin reddens first, then blisters rise – some are impressively large – and for a while the area feels like it has been scalded. Places where skin is most sensitive (arms, legs, torso, face,
neck) are most vulnerable. Moisture from perspiration speeds the absorption of the psoralens.” If the sap gets into the eyes, it can cause temporary or permanent blindness to both humans and pets. So if you’re outside where wild parsnip is present, just practice caution. Wear long pants, long sleeves and gloves as well as eye safety equipment if you are going to come into contact with it. By knowing the characteristics to help us steer clear of these three poisonous plants, we can safely enjoy Iowa’s great outdoors. To learn more about these three plants, go to the Iowa DNR website and search for poisonous plants. While the aforementioned plants in the article pack a nasty punch if you come in contact with them. The species below are deemed to be just a nuisance as they will stick to virtually any type of clothing material they come in contact with. The end result is a painstaking task of removing these little buggars from your clothes, shoes, hats, gloves, etc. Hence the reason why sportsmen hate them! I have heard people using duct tape, credit cards, scotch brite pads, and even dull knives to remove them from clothing. While this gets some of them off it still
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BE CAREFUL OF POISONOUS PLANTS ... AND PESKY ONES TOO!
leaves us madder than a hornet performing the task. I have known some folks to simply pick up the piece of clothing and pitch it in the garbage it was so covered in stickers. There are a few great products on the market that are specifically designed to remove these annoying weeds that I would recommend to any outdoorsman. These weeds are known as hitchhiker weeds, meaning they use a vertebrate host to transport their seeds to a different location where the “offspring� can continue to grow and build the family tree or in this case weed. Pretty amazing how the whole process takes place. A pesky little weed that we think nothing about has a system so complex to sustain reproduction. Below is a list of hitchhiker weeds commonly found in Iowa. While I am sure they serve a purpose in the grand scheme of life, we sportsmen would like to see them ridded from existence!
STICKSEED
BEGGAR TICK
SAND BUR
COCKLEBUR
TICK-TREFOIL BURDOCK
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Want to share a photo of your recent harvest or catch? Submit your hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor photos to The Iowa Sportsman Trophy Room and you could be in an upcoming issue! To Submit: E-mail a high-resolution photo along with your name and where you are from to: patrick@twinriversmedia.com or directly mail them to: The Iowa Sportsman, Attn: Trophy Room, 1597 3rd Ave NW, Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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WITHOUT A DOUBT, one of the most over looked strategies in whitetail hunting
If you have a food plot in the CRP, you can use it like the standing corn, with a blind disguised in it and a path out the back.
is forming good entrance and exit routes to and from your tree stand or ground blind. Most hunters just don’t take the time to think about how they will get to THINGS TO CONSIDER their stand, and back, without bumping deer. Hunters often end up just utilizing the If at all possible, try avoiding direct contact to known bedding and feeding areas. Stay on quickest route that they can find. However, if you spook all of the deer trying to the outer edges of these areas and use some get to your stand, there’s a good chance that you’ve ruined your hunt before it has of the above strategies to get you there. Think about the best winds for each of your stands, even started. This simple, yet effective strategy, could be the difference between and approach the stand from the downwind side as much as possible. Deer don’t need harvesting your target buck or eating tag soup over the winter.
GETTING PATTERNED
So why should we worry about entry and exit routes? Well, we spend hours upon hours from late Wwinter throughout the Summer months trying to find and pattern certain mature deer. We supplement feed after the season closes, plant our food plots in the Spring and Summer, and scout for deer sign by way of shed hunting, running trail cameras, and searching for velvet bucks. If our work pays off we can usually figure out a deer’s tendencies, where he beds, where he feeds, and the trails that he takes to get back and forth. People are similar to deer, we have our own tendencies. Chances are you have some sort of a daily routine, and I’m guessing that when it comes to hunting a certain stand, you park in the same spot and walk in, and out, the same way every time. This is a good thing as long as you’re not spooking deer and having the deer pattern your tendencies. If you are, you’re setting yourself up for short and long-term failure in the area.
NATURAL ROUTES
Something to think about in late summer, when setting new stands, is how the land lays. You should use it to your advantage as much as possible once Fall comes around to avoid being noticed by deer. Creeks are probably the best way to go undetected while getting to your stand. When walking a creek, you are normally out of sight of any deer, it’s usually quieter than walking through the leaves, and
May 2018
it’s harder for deer to detect your scent. You can also use ridges and hillsides to conceal yourself from known high traffic deer areas. If you must walk through a field, try to use waterways or other areas of the field that are set down a little lower.
much of an excuse to get out of their bed, stare right at you, and then run off. Don’t give them that opportunity, use the wind and cover to your advantage. If you must walk through a lot of timber to get to your stand, cut some trails during the offseason so that your hike in and out is quick and efficient.
PLANTING BARRIERS
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re a fan of the whitetail hunting industry, I’m sure that you’ve heard Don Kisky’s name on more than one occasion. When it comes to killing big Iowa whitetails, Don is a well-oiled machine. One strategy that I have seen him use frequently over the years, is disguising ground blinds into a standing cornfield that overlooks a cut cornfield. There is a path through the standing corn to get in and out undetected. I think I’ve even seen him get into his blind while there are deer in the field. This is a strategy that we have used a few times over the years as well, but used a tower blind, rather than a ground blind. It has worked like a charm. Many hunters may not have the option to leave corn standing to do that, but if you’re able to plant another type of barrier, it can be just as deadly. Strips of Egyptian wheat can be a great option. It has a maximum height of around 13 feet, and in most cases, will get to at least 10 feet tall. It is mostly used to walk along field edges so that deer can’t see you come in. CRP is another good option. Always check your contract first, but you should be able to mow parts of it, which can allow you to walk through a field unseen.
Entry and exit strategies can be just as crucial as stand placement, food plots, and wind direction. If used correctly they can be deadly, if not chances are you will spook deer out of the area, and have a tough time once on stand. The 2018 deer season is a few months away, but I’m hoping that these ideas will act as a foundation for your preseason strategies.
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DEALING WITH A MISS is frustrating enough, but dealing with several misses in a row is maddening at times. Shooting firearms is a bit like anything else that takes handeye coordination, good balance and proper mechanics. Sometimes one simple thing is all it takes to correct a problem and get you back on track. Other times, it’s mental and getting out of your own way seems impossible. The more you try and force it the worse things seem to get. We all go through slumps every now and then. Let’s examine some ways to get the monkey off your back the next time it happens to you! Have you ever settled in behind the trigger and found that no matter what you seem to do, shots aren’t falling on the target the way they have in the past or the way you know you are capable of? It happens. Sometimes you can’t get settled or completely comfortable. You can’t seem to hold steady, or a wind or other factor seems to be an annoyance that you can’t shake. Then you get frustrated. Your timing is off, you’re not seeing the target clearly or you feel your form suffering. The madder you get with each shot, the worse it gets. It happens with all forms of shooting. Bow shooting, pistol, rifle or wingshooting. Our own frustration builds. It’s hard to shake out of a situation like that. I’ve found that when this happens, it’s sometimes better to pack it in for the day. Start new again at another time with a fresh attitude and a clean slate. Shooting is mental and the more frustrated we get, the more tense we become only making our shooting worse by the minute. Even before packing it in for the day, you can try just walking away from it for several minutes to clear things out to see if that helps. But taking some time to step away from any slumping shooting situation can definitely help. May 2018
Have someone you trust with knowledge of shooting watch you. They may be able to see something that you are doing that you didn’t know you were. It may be something simple such as your grip of the pistol, your anchor point with a bow, or your body position as you fire at airborne clays. You may have developed a bad habit that you never knew of. It can be helpful to have an educated eye watch you. Get back to the basics. Another thing we can do is making things easier and work our way back up to harder targets. Grab a .22 rifle and do some plinking. It has a way of restoring confidence and bringing back the fun at the same time. For a lot of us, we started by squirrel hunting with a .22 in our hands. The forgiving recoil of a rimfire round can also be just what’s needed for repetition work of proper form. In the same train of thought so can doing some dry firing of your pistol. Overly anticipating the recoil for a right-handed shooter will often cause your shots to be low and to the left. Dry firing a pistol equipped with a laser sight will illustrate this clearly when there is a bit of a recoil anticipation issue. Jerking the trigger too much will likely result in shots being pulled to
the left. Seeing the problem and diagnosing it is easier with a dry fire drill. Even the slightest bad habit can develop quickly and unnoticed when shooting a high volume of pistol rounds. So getting back to the basics of a dry fire or lighter ammo can help solve such problems. While we’re on the topic of handguns, remember that you want two things to happen as you pull the trigger. A smooth and steady trigger pull straight back and an index finger that moves independently from the rest of the hand. Good trigger control is imperative to consistent accuracy and any sideways pressure on the trigger as it is pulled rearward can lead to inconsistent grouping. Sideways pressure on the trigger often accompanies thumb rotation clockwise as the trigger breaks causing the shot to pull to the right for a righthanded shooter. This sideways pressure can be caused by too much or too little finger on the trigger. If you’re putting too much finger on the trigger, the bend of the distal joint can pull on the trigger causing your shots to drift to the right. This is called “snatching” the trigger. If you have too little finger on the trigger or too much of the tip of your finger on it as you pull, you’ll be “pushing” the trigger to the left as you send it rearward, causing your point of impact to move to the left and likely a bit upward. Through dry fire practice you can cure these problems. Try pressing the trigger as far rearward as possible without letting the hammer fall, and then release it. Repeat this drill over and over. It’ll improve your feel for the trigger of your particular firearm. Another good drill is the penny drill. Try placing a penny on the front sight of the pistol. Then take your aim as normal and dry fire the TheIowaSportsman.com
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CURING A SHOOTING SLUMP gun. Your goal is to have the penny remain in position on top of the front sight through the whole process. Sight alignment goes hand in hand with trigger control for good pistol accuracy and as much as one would think that something as simple as knowing how to look down the gun’s sight properly is easy, there are some things you may be doing that could be throwing off your shooting. Dry fire practice is also a good time to retrain yourself to properly align your eye to the sights of you handgun. With the gun unloaded, punch out the gun to your line of sight. Next, find the proper alignment of the front sight within the notches of the rear sight. Make yourself stare intently at the proper alignment for 30 seconds at a time. This will burn the image of proper sight alignment into your mind. Then repeat this drill over and over, gradually moving through the drill quicker and quicker. Hopefully you’ll find that proper sight alignment comes quicker and quicker each time and begin to feel more natural. It’s also a good drill to get yourself away from focusing too intently on the target instead of your sights, which can develop into a problem you hadn’t realized before this drill. Vary your training routine. Instead of taking every shot with your rifle from a shooting bench for example, lay prone for a while, try kneeling shots, sitting shots and off-hand shots
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using correct positioning. The same thing can be done with a handgun. Using some new shooting techniques from varying positions can introduce a little fun back into your shooting routines and get yourself into a great state of mind after a slump. At the rifle range, when groups are starting to look more like the pattern of an improved cylinder shotgun pattern than what a rifle target should look like, first examine your equipment. Make sure that everything is lock solid. Check your rings on your scope to make sure nothing has loosened up. Check the focus of your sight picture through the scope. Sometimes a little tweaking of the focus adjustment ring can bring things sharper into focus and improve your shooting. There are things with firearms that we don’t always think about that make a difference such as the poundage of your trigger pull or the amount of fouling of a barrel as we shoot that should always be taken into consideration as well. Before getting frustrated, make sure you’ve thought of these things as potential reasons for poor grouping. Sometimes however you can just sense that your poor shooting is all on you. Shooting is partly mental. To help your mental side, bring that 100-yard target in closer for several shots. Try it at 25 yards for a group of 5 shots and once you’ve pounded the bulls-eye a few
times at that range, work your way back out to the desired range and hopefully at the same time you’ll be working your confidence back up once again also. Fundamentally, when shooting a rifle there are several things you could be doing that you aren’t aware of, decreasing your accuracy. For one, make sure your point of aim is focused on an exact point. When shooting at a dot, or a broad circle, we have a tendency to chase that reference point with the crosshairs unless we focus those crosshairs on one exact point. So if you’re shooting at a circle point of aim target, instead of trying to put the crosshairs in the middle of that dot, level the horizontal crosshair line underneath the dot almost as if the dot is sitting right on top of that horizontal line. The same can be done with the vertical line of the crosshair. By using this method, the dot will appear to be cornered on two sides by the center post of the crosshairs. Remember that anytime we try and block out visually our point of aim by covering it with the crosshairs, no matter what it is, you’ll naturally chase that object, creating movement. A tiny amount of movement is all it takes to throw your shots off even when that movement is minor. That’s why making sure we have the proper breathing pattern is essential. It’s also something that can be easily overlooked. As you take in breath, you may
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notice that the crosshairs rise on your target and when you exhale the crosshairs will drop. So it’s important to break the trigger at the correct time in your breathing and that is usually on the exhale side. Control your breathing. Some shooters like to let half a breath out and then hold for a second as they break the trigger and some shooters like to break the trigger in the middle of a smooth and controlled exhale. Whatever your desired technique, make sure that breathing isn’t the reason for missed shots. Check your body positioning. Are the insides of your feet both touching the ground with both feet pointing away from each other while lying prone? Is your elbow support stable? Is the shooting rest you’re using rock solid? Are you directly behind the scope and gun with your eye and your body as you fire? Are you following through by seeing your shot impact the target through the scope after you fire? Is your cheek properly welded to the stock? These are just a few things to make a mental note of, as any one of them could be a reason for consistently missing shots from your rifle. Wingshooters can be subjected to shooting slumps as well and when they happen in the field in the form of missed bird after missed bird, it’s usually time to examine a few things. Try and evaluate whether or not you are consistently missing behind the bird or ahead.
May 2018
If you are doing one or the other it can help narrow down the problem. Then it’s time to shoot some clays to get back on track. Make sure that you are bringing the shotgun up to your face and not lowering your face to the gun or tilting your head. Practice this technique with an unloaded gun as you swing to develop or redevelop that muscle memory if you think this is the problem. You’ll want to make sure you’re mounting the gun to your face at the same place every time. A good drill to do is to close your eyes and then swing and mount your gun simultaneously like you normally would when engaging the target. When you feel the mount is finished stop your swing as you open your eyes. You should be looking straight down the rail of your gun with only the front bead sticking up on target. This will help you realize if your mount is correct and doing the drill repetitively will help build muscle memory. Your feet too should be inline with your target with the back heel lined up with the front foot in a line straight to where you will break the target. Have you developed the bad habit of trying to mount the gun before swinging on the target? If so, get back to mounting as you swing which will be more natural and take less time. If you are consistently shooting behind targets this could be the issue. Maybe you’re paying too much attention
to the front bead and not where it should be on the target. Let your pointing instincts take over and focus harder on the target, letting your hands and body take over the natural instinct of finding it. If you’re aiming at the target too much and not pointing you’ll shoot behind the target as well. Try doubling your lead when experiencing a slump. Work extra hard on the pass through technique. As you swing through the bird you pull the trigger as your sight picture of the barrel passes through the bird’s head. Try to aim small to miss small by focusing hard on the head of the bird even going so far as to pick out the bird’s eye or the red patch on a pheasant’s head. Follow through with your swing after you pull the trigger. When practicing with clays switch to a lighter load to help reduce the recoil and practice shots with the target going away from you as well as passing by in front of you to help you with your timing. Regardless of what you are shooting, stay positive. Tell yourself, “I’m going to break this target.” Forget the past and enter each time at the range or in the field with a fresh, confident attitude. Shoot your way through a slump by working the problems out until you find a positive consistency. Hopefully in no time you’ll be nailing your target every time once again!
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GUNDOG CORNER
HEARTWORM DISEASE:
PREVENTION IS KEY!
As the weather warms up we are all reminded that Spring and Summer are on their way. Most of us look forward to this time of year because we are able to get out and run the dog or to just be outside with them more when the mercury rises. The downside to the warm up is the explosion of biting insects, and for this articles sake‌ the dreaded mosquito. Unfortunately these pesky insects can be more than just a nuisance to our dogs, they can also transmit heartworms. This month we are going to cover some facts about canine heartworm disease, what it does, treatment, and most importantly prevention. Canine heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm known as Dirofilaria immitis. This is a blood parasite of dogs and many other wild species such as coyotes, fox, wolves, and cats (both wild and domestic). This parasite is spread by the bite of that darn mosquito. There are several species of mosquitoes that can carry heartworm. While heartworms can be found throughout the US, positive cases seem to center on the Mississippi River Valley and the southeastern areas of the United States. The life cycle of the heartworm is very complex and requires two key steps: 1) a mosquito must bite an infected host (any of the above wild species or an infected
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domestic dog) and 2) that same mosquito must bite another animal. When a female mosquito bites an infected animal tiny baby worms are ingested along with the blood meal. Once ingested, the microfilaria goes through a couple life stages to become larvae that enter the mouth parts of the mosquito. It is at this point that they are able to infect another host, but it requires the mosquito to bite again. As the mosquito takes another blood meal from a potential host some of the heartworm larva is injected into the tissues. They spend the next several months maturing in the host and finally enter the vascular system. Once in the vascular system the worms find their way to the heart and lungs to take up residence. After getting to the pulmonary arteries and right side of the heart, the worms mate and reproduce. The process from injection to reproduction typically takes about 6-7 months. The presence of the heartworms causes a lot of damage to the pulmonary arteries
and lungs. It is important to realize that even though the microfilarial and larval stages of the heartworm are very small the adults are not. The female heart worm can be up to 12 inches long. The worms can narrow the arteries leaving the right side of the heart, which causes a dramatic increase in blood pressure. The heart compensates by increasing in size. The enlargement can eventually lead to heart failure and ultimately death. Heartworms can be detected by a simple blood test performed by a veterinarian. The test detects the adult female heartworms. If it is negative, the next step is to put your dog on a once a month preventative medication. Like most things, prevention is the key. Canine heartworm disease is very easy and straight forward to prevent. Treatment of established heartworm infections can be lifesaving, but it is not without serious risk and expense.
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DOG BREEDERS
May 2018
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ASK THE SPORTSMAN
ASK THE SPORTSMAN
WHAT WOULD BE A GOOD GO TO SPRING TIME BAIT FOR MULTIPLE SPECIES OF FISH?
Drew, Waukee Different species of fish act differently than each other and during different times of the Spring. So picking one lure to hone in on a variety of species isn’t that easy. However if I were to pick one bait to stick with for a multitude of species it would have to be a jig combination. The jig gets my nod because of its versatility. You can pitch a jig into weeds, vertical fish it, fish it fast or slow, cast and retrieve…basically you name it and this simple set up will do it. The other reason I would go with the jig as my go to lure is because of all the combinations you can come up with while using a jig. You can change color, size, and trailer options in a moment’s notice that will allow you to hone in on making a fish strike. Pretty much any sport fish in Iowa will go for a jig especially crappie, walleye, and bass.
IS IT OKAY TO WALK THROUGH BEDDING (WHITETAIL) AREAS THIS TIME OF YEAR?
Noah, Mason City Absolutely…to an extent. There is nothing wrong with getting out and doing some bedding area scouting this time of year. Remember this should be a recon mission or a shed hunting mission. Figure out what you want to know about the bedding area. How many deer are using it, does it seem to be a buck area or doe area, 64
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where are the trails leading to and from, etc. This type of information can be very useful in the fall and help pinpoint deer movement. While most intrusions into these sacred grounds will soon be forgotten by the deer using them, it is still wise to leave as little human imprint as possible. Deer are already using the area, so find out what you need to know and get out.
WHY DO SOME LAKES HAVE WAKE RESTRICTIONS ON THE ENTIRE LAKE? Anoymous
While most leisure lakes have wake restrictions from the shoreline out to a certain length of the lake, the non-leisure lakes that you speak of sometimes have “no wake at all” “or idle” restrictions on the entire lake. Most of the time this is due to several different reasons. Included could be the lake size simply isn’t large enough to handle multiple boats traveling at certain speeds. Shoreline erosion is a concern, typically a boat producing a wake will crash into the shoreline and create unwanted erosion. On some lakes it is simply too dangerous to be traveling at certain speeds due to unknown under water objects, being too shallow, swimming area safety, etc. Yet another concern is protecting sensitive wildlife areas as well as fish spawning areas. As you can see there are many reasons to have wake restrictions and speed limits on some lakes. Depending on which lake it is the reasons will vary.
BEEF OR VENISON?
Rodney, from Hungary Someone who is from Hungary sending me a food question….Bravo Rodney on the play on words. If I could make it happen I would probably answer entirely different and go with Bison meat. Or… Caribou meat is amazing! But since those are not available to us Iowans on a consistent basis, I will answer your question. I have to say venison right? After all I am The Iowa Sportsman. Truth of the matter is it depends what cut of meat we are talking about. If it is steaks I have to go with beef. Don’t get me wrong, venison back straps on the grill are hard to beat, but I will take a ribeye, T-bone, or strip from a cow over venison. The price of beef steaks though is really making me question my preferences nowadays! Now if we are talking purely ground meat or roasts then it is venison. If the season went well for me and the freezer is full then most of the time you can find a venison roast or ground meat on the table before beef. I guess we could take it one notch further and discuss jerky or sausage. Actually there isn’t much discussion. Venison sausage, sticks, or jerky is the easy answer…when available after all the free handouts or given to friends and family. Thanks again folks for the questions, keep them coming!
HAVE A QUESTION? If you have questions for us to answer please send them to info@twinriversmedia.com or mail them to 1517 3rd Ave NW, Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
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Countryside Turf & Timber 11328 Hwy 65 N • Iowa Falls, IA 50126 641-648-2382 www.countrysidett.com Schuelke Powersports 607 Geneseo St • Storm Lake, IA 50588 712-213-4200 www.schuelkepowersports.com Lake Mills Motor Sports 45563C Hwy 69 W • Lake Mills, IA 50450 641-592-2145 www.lakemillsmotorsports.com R/J Performance 14231 Sycamore Rd • Ottumwa, IA 52501 641-684-8400 www.rjperformance.com
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IOWA SPORTSMAN COOKBOOK
SHORE LUNCH BREADING Any shore lunch must start with a good breading. Below is a recipe that will work for just about any fish. Take these fundamentals and branch out with any additions to the recipe you so choose.
INGREDIENTS • 3 cups flour, seasoned with salt and pepper • 4 beaten eggs, sealed in cooler • 2 cups crushed cornflakes
• 1 cup breadcrumbs • 1 lemon • 1 cup canola oil
DIRECTIONS (MEAL PREP) • Measure and pre-season the flour with salt and pepper. Store in individual food containers. • Measure and combine the cornflakes and breadcrumbs. Pre-season to taste. Store in individual food containers. • Beat eggs and store in food container. Refrigerate overnight. • Wash and pack lemon. • Store canola oil in individual container.
DIRECTIONS (ON THE SHORE) • Clean and gut fish well. • Slice lemon in half. • Pour canola oil in thin layer in pan over the fire. • Shake each container well to re-mix the ingredients. • Dip the filet in seasoned flour, shake well. • Next, dip the fish in the egg wash and coat well. • Place in breadcrumb and cornflake mixture and shake well to make sure all are fully coated. • Drop filet into pan and fry until golden brown, about two to three minutes per side depending on the fish.
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PECAN CRUSTED WALLEYE INGREDIENTS • 1 egg • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder • 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper • 1 pinch salt • 1 cup ground pecan meal (or crushed pecans) • 4 (4 ounce) walleye fillets
• 1 Tablespoon butter • 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
INSTRUCTIONS • 1. Beat the egg with the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt until evenly mixed. Spread the pecan meal into a shallow dish. Dip the walleye fillets into the egg mixture, then press into the pecan flour. • 2. Heat the butter and vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the walleye fillets into the pan. Cook until golden brown on both sides and the fish flakes easily with a fork, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
WALLEYE OVER TOMATO AND ANGEL HAIR PASTA INGREDIENTS
• 2-4 walleye fillets, skinless and boneless • 2 servings dry angel hair pasta • Olive oil, to taste • 4 anchovies packed in oil
• 8 cloves garlic, minced • 10.5 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved • Dry herbs: oregano, basil • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish • Halved, pitted Kalamata olives, to taste • Juice of a quarter of a lemon • Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS 1. Bring water and a pinch of salt to a boil for pasta. Cook angel hair pasta to al dente according to package directions. Drain pasta, but reserve ½ cup of pasta water. In the meantime, while you wait for the water to boil, heat 1 Tablespoon of oil inside a deep, wide pan over medium heat.Add anchovies and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, breaking up anchovies with a wooden spoon. 2. Next, add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, but do not brown. Add halved cherry tomatoes, a dash of basil, oregano and fresh thyme. Stir for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften. 3. Next add about half a cup of reserved pasta water to the pan. Allow sauce to simmer and slightly reduce for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt and pepper to taste. Then reduce the heat to low or medium low, and lay walleye fillets into the pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover the pan and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until fish is cooked through. 4. Taste the sauce again for taste. Discard thyme sprigs. Squeeze lemon juice over fish and add halved Kalamata olives to sauce. Serve sauce and fish over warm angel hair pasta garnished with parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
WE WANT YOUR RECIPES!
We want to see what our readers are cooking up, more importantly we want to taste what you are cooking. Please send us some of your most tastiest wild game recipes and we will publish them in the Iowa Cookbook Section. You can send recipes to info@twinriversmedia.com or mail them to The Iowa Sportsman, 1517 3rd Ave NW, Fort Dodge, IA 50501.
May 2018
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FISHING IOWA
GET MORE BITES IN 2018 By Bob Jensen
We’re kind of in that in-between season in the northern reaches of the Midwest. Many lakes are still covered with ice, although the quality of the ice is inconsistent. Everywhere else, anglers are fishing open water. The common theme is, anglers are anxious to go fishing, and most of us appreciate and relish every opportunity we get to do so. We want to be on the water chasing whatever it is that we like to chase, and it’s going to take a lot to keep us from doing that. Following are some ways you can enjoy your fishing even more this year. First thing: Go fishing whenever you get the chance. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. If you do, you won’t go fishing very often. If you’ve got a couple of free hours, grab a rod and put it to use. It’s a safe bet that there’s a body of water near you that has some fish in it. You might catch just a couple small ones, or you might hook into a big guy. It doesn’t matter, you’re fishing. Catching a few fish is better, way better, than not catching a few fish. I have a good number of very nice memories that were created on short, unplanned fishing trips. Don’t get too hung up on a particular species of fish. Chase the biters. Lots of anglers put a lot of effort into catching 68
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walleyes, or bass, or muskies, or whatever, and that’s fine. But if you just want to see your rod bend, every now and then this year, be a “whatever’s biting” kind of fisherman. Angler’s have lots of fishing options wherever they live. They can be after panfish or bigger predator fish. It’s important to have a plan when you go on the water, but we need to be flexible in that plan. If the walleyes aren’t interested in getting caught, try to catch a northern pike or a bass. Something is usually willing to get caught, and it’s a whole lot more fun to catch a bunch of bass than not catch any walleyes. Just as some anglers consider themselves to be a “walleye guy”, there are some anglers who describe themselves as a “jig fisherman”. “If they won’t eat a jig, I don’t want to catch’em”, I’ve heard these anglers say. And, if that’s how you like to fish, go for it. But if we expand our arsenal of fishing techniques, we’ll catch more fish and probably enjoy our fishing even more. Make this the year you expand your knowledge of fishing techniques. If
you’re on a hot jig bite for walleyes, try using a live-bait rig. You’ll find that by trying different things when the fish are biting, you’ll get confidence in that technique and you’ll be a more well-versed angler. Well-versed anglers usually catch more fish. Sometimes when I go fishing, I just want to get something to pull back; I don’t care what it is: It doesn’t matter. This is when I tie on my go-to bait: An eighth or quarter ounce Slurp! Jig tipped with a plastic action tail grub. Everything eats this set-up. You can effectively fish it over and along a weedbed, a rip-rap bank, or along a shoreline that has a lot of boat docks. Pretty much any gamefish will eat this rig. Day-in and day-out a three inch tail will be better. Go smaller for panfish, larger for bass. The Slurp! Jig is recommended because it was built for plastic. The upcoming year can be your best ever for fishing if you make the time to go and put your bait in front of willing biters. But you need to find that out for yourself. To Subscribe CALL 877-424-4594
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R & R Sports 3250 Fields Drive Bettendorf, IA 52722 563-243-4696 www.randrsportsinc.com Fin & Feather 125 Hwy 1 W Iowa City, IA 52246 319-354-2200 www.finfeather.com Palo Outdoors 1204 1st Street Palo, IA 52324 319-851-5290 www.palo-outdoors.com Sommerfeld Outfitters 330 N Main St Lidderdale, IA 51452 712-822-5780 www.shopsommerfeld.com The Iowa Outdoors Store 1597 3rd Ave NW Fort Dodge, IA 50501 515-955-HUNT (4868) www.iowaoutdoorsstore.com
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Marketplace
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Western Iowa Outdoor Power 128 E 9th Glidden, IA 51443 712-659-0044
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Classifieds
DEER PROCESSING/ MEAT LOCKER
REAL ESTATE
Minden Meat Market Don’t Forget Us For Processing Your Deer! HUSH Program Participant. 315 Main St. - Minden, IA. 712-483-2836
FIREARMS DEALERS Daryl’s Gun Shop 1267A 240th St. State Center, IA 50247 641-483-2656 darylsguns.com
New listing. Secluded
GOODS & SERVICES Lake or Pond? Aeration is your 1st step toward improved water quality. Algae Reduction, de-icing, attract wildlife, etc. Also - High efficiency water fall pumps 11,000 gph flow - only 3.6 amps!! CHECK OUT OUR GREAT PRICING ON TOP QUALITY POND PRODUCTS!!! www.fishpondaerator.com 608-254-2735 • Open every day!
Weighted Bimbo Skunk® lure
The Weighted Bimbo Skunk® Lure is Wisconsin’s Hottest Pan Fishing Lure.
Order Yours Today (715) 761-4035 www.bimboskunk.com
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POND MANAGEMENT
CasCade 5000 Floating POND FOUNTAIN! Aerator Now Available Factory Direct! FAST UPS shipping right to your door! www.fishpondaerator.com Call 7 days/week! (608) 254-2735 Complete with light & timer, 100 ft power cord, 1yr warranty! Pre-Assembled - Installs in Minutes! Elegance & Improved Water Quaility $698.95 “$ave Hundreds!”
LIKE OUR ISSUE? CALL 877-424-4594
FOR YOUR SUBSCRIPTION TODAY!
log cabin with stream on 10 wooded acres hickory floors and cabinets, quartz countertops, landscaped, trails, many insulated outbuildings with one bedroom attached apartment, huge garage, many perennials, big timber,great spot for horses. Price Reduced! Drone Video available. $275,000 Listing #1409
Rush Creek Realty De Soto, WI 888-942-6644 www.rushcreekrealty.com
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The Iowa Sportsman
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