Iowa Sportsman - Sportsmen's Nation

It's that time of year again where many of us start making plans to get in to the woods and start bowhunting. On this episode of the Iowa Sportsman, Dan connects with Noel Gandy about early October bowhunting strategies. Noel shares his experiences over the last 5 years tagging out on mature bucks in the first part of October. The guys run through a variety of scenarios to increase your success and the importance of weather patterns. If you are looking to tag out this early season, this is the episode you need to listen to. Iowa Sportsman is Powered by Simplecast   

Some outdoorsmen think that just because they buy a hunting license, tags and stamps, this means that they are automatically a conservationist. While that may be true in a round about way, there is way more that goes in to supporting conservation efforts then just being a hunter or fisherman. On this episode of the Iowa Sportsman Podcast, Dan talks with Kent Boucher about the true meaning of being a Conservationist. Iowa Sportsman is Powered by Simplecast

On this episode of the Iowa Sportsman, Dan chats with Troy Hoepker about the pheasant heritage of Iowa. Troy shares with us the timeline of how Pheasants were introduces to not only the United States but the state of Iowa. Troy also talks to Dan about the glory days of pheasant hunting as well as the downfall due to habitat loss across the state. Iowa Sportsman is Powered by Simplecast 

Regardless of the topic, it's always a great conversation when I get to chat with my fellow outdoorsman, Steve Weisman. We start this episode off by catching up on how the fishing is for Steve and even get in to a discussion about our favorite side dishes to accompany a fish fry. The second half of the episode is dedicated to the upcoming Teal and Dove season that start in early September. They guys discuss strategy, tactics, and how the weather plays a huge role in the movement of these birds. Iowa Sportsman is Powered by Simplecast 

For those of us who have been hunting for a long time, we may not even think of the basic hunting strategy that kicked off our hunting careers.  On this episode of the Iowa Sportsman, Dan is once again joined Tom Peplinski to discuss the basics of deer hunting. The guys discuss simple hunting tactics such as how to play the wind, how to identify deer sign, and how to learn more about deer movement and deer behavior. Iowa Sportsmen is Powered by Simplecast

On this episode of the Iowa Sportsman podcast, Dan is joined by Joel Johnson to have a lighthearted discussion about things that drive sportsmen crazy. The guys kick things off talking about how much they hate squirrels during the hunting season, how mad they get when the forget a piece of hunting gear back at the house or truck, and big buck encounters that went horribly wrong because of overgrown shooting lanes. They also talk about fishing edict, or lack there of, on public water ways, poorly trained bird dogs, and share several funny stories from the field. Iowa Sportsman is Powered by Simplecast

On this episode of the Iowa Sportsman, we are replaying an old episode with Noel Gandy about summer deer patterns. The guys share their opinions on what impact a trail camera picture or sightings from your truck during the summer month means come the hunting season. Noel also shares what he is doing this time of year to prepare for the season via glassing fields and scouting missions. Iowa Sportsman is Powered by Simplecast

Whether you're a weekend warrior or basically live in your boat, right now is the best time of year to have your line in the water looking for bites. Dan talks with returning guest Steve Weisman about what the fish are doing this time of year. Steve breaks down his recent blue gill and walleye success on Okoboji and Spirit Lake as well as where the fish were located and what bait he was using to catch them.Dan picks Steve's brain about what his fishing strategy is when the fish won't bite and if he would rather change up the bait or move to a new location. Lastly, Steven talks about the importance of electronic fish finders and tells a unique story about cane poles. Iowa Sportsman is Powered by Simplecast

For those of you who pheasant hunt or waterfowl hunt with a dog, you know how much focus you need to have on your dog while in the field.  On this episode of the Iowa Sportsman, Dan is joined by Kent Boucher to discuss certain disasters to avoid when using and training your gundog. The guys discuss injuries in the field, their paws, keeping them hydrated, and most of all gun safety. If have ever thought about owning or training a gundog, you will find tons of information on this episode. Iowa Sportsman is Powered by Simplecast

On this episode of the Iowa Sportsman, Dan connects with Top Peplinski to discuss food plot preparations for the fall. Tom and Dan chat about common food plot problems that people often run in to like over-seeding, abundance of weeds, over-browsing, and food plot location. Tom shares some of his past food plot failures and explains his access route strategy. Whether you are new to plating food plots or have years of experience, this episode has a ton of great information. Iowa Sportsman is Powered by Simplecast 

On this episode of the Iowa Sportsman podcast, Dan is joined by Troy Hoepker to discuss the history of the Iowa fur trade. Troy lays down a timeline about big events, key individuals and groups, and locations that played an impact on establishing the fur trade in Iowa and the entire United States.  Iowa Sportsman is Powered by Simplecast

If you haven't been to Kent State Park west of Iowa City, IA you need to put it on your schedule. It's a beautiful park that offers camping, swimming, hiking, and fishing.  On today's episode, Dan talks with Jerry Gullett from the Johnson County Conservation Board about a lake restoration project that recently took place at the park. Dan and Larry talk about the project timeline, how it was funded, and how the main focus of the entire project revolved around water quality. Similar projects have taken place throughout the entire state and the results have been outstanding. Give this episode a listen to learn how county and state agencies worked together to make a huge impact to wards conservation. Iowa Sportsman is Powered by Simplecast

On this episode of the Iowa Sportsman, Dan is joined by Joel Johnson to talk about the some of the best fishing locations in Iowa. Iowa Sportsman is Powered by Simplecast

On this episode of the Iowa Sportsman, Dan talks with returning guest Rod Woten about fishing for trout. Rod talks about the three different species that can be found in the spring fed streams in northeast Iowa, including a rare hybrid species.Rod talks about the waterways that you can find them in and where within those streams the fish tend to hang out.  Rod goes in to detail about what tackle works the best as well as the proper presentation. If you have ever been interested in trout fishing, specifically in Iowa, then this is the episode for you. Enjoy! Iowa Sportsman is Powered by Simplecast

On this episode of the Iowa Sportsman, Dan talks with returning guest Tom Peplinski to discuss the spring habitat improvement projects taking place on his farm.  Tom explains that the neighboring farm has put more acres in to row crop and clearing out bedding and cover.Once he found that out he knew that there was going to be less cover in the area and this was an opportunity to increase the cover on his farm. He decided to take some of his acres out of food plots and plant a variety of trees and warm season grasses to hopefully hold deer on his property. Iowa Sportsman is Powered by Simplecast

If you are passionate about the outdoors and you have kids, I'm sure you have thought about how you're going to introduce them to hunting. The obvious answer is fishing, camping, and hiking, but next progression could be turkey hunting.On this episode of the Iowa Sportsman, Dan connects with long time friend Brent Rich about turkey hunting and introducing it to your kids hunting. The guys discuss the steps they have taken and their future plans to not only get them in the woods but keep them excited about the outdoors as they age.  Brent explains the differences between his two sons and one does not respond well with pressure while the other doesn't need any motivation. If you are having trouble getting your kids excited about the outdoors, this is the episode for you. Iowa Sportsman is Powered by Simplecast

On this episode of the Iowa Sportsman, Dan talks with Jackson County Naturalist Jen Meyer about mushrooms and plants that you can eat. First off, Jen explains her position as a naturalist and why she loves he job.They start off the conversation talking about all the different types of mushrooms in Iowa.  Then Jen shares information on a variety of roots, plants, berries, and trees that are edible. But before up jump in to the woods and start picking and eating random plants, be sure to purchase a guide or reference book. Iowa Sportsman is Powered by Simplecast

On this episode of the Iowa Sportsman podcast, Dan talks with Brad Durick of Red River Catfish about his spring catfishing strategies. The guys discuss what the fish are doing once they leave their wintering holes in search of food and what baits seem to get the most bites. As the water get warmer and the spawn approaches, Brad explains a variety of scenarios that work for him including how he fishes low and high water, slow and fast currents, and where he focuses his attention during the spawn.Whether you are a novice angler or have several year of casting under your belt, you will learn something from this episode.  Iowa Sportsman is Powered by Simplecast

On this episode of the Iowa Sportsman, Dan is joined by returning guest Billy Pryor to talk about turkey hunting. Billy and Dan discuss what you can do before the season even starts to increase your odds of getting a big tom within shooting range.Then, the guys throw out a variety of scenarios like when a tom is henned up or the birds are not responding to you calling and what you can do to beat the odds. They also discuss different strategies  between hunting from a ground blind being mobile and going to where the action is. This episode is full of tips, tricks and tactics that should help you in the upcoming months. It's turkey season! Iowa Sportsman is Powered by Simplecast

On this episode of the Iowa Sportsman, Dan talks with the CEO of the National Deer Alliance, Nick Pinizzotto,  about Iowa House File 2458 and how it will help manage the spread of CWD in the state of Iowa. "HF 2458 authorizes the Committee on Natural Resources to "establish a wild animal disease management zone and take such actions within the zone as are necessary to protect wild animal health and conserve biological balance." Actions include: establishing special seasons, preventing the artificial movement of wild animals, wild animal carcasses, or parts thereof, and requiring disease sample collection from harvested wild animals. Additionally, a state biologist or conservation officer may "approach a private landowner or tenant to provide information regarding the wild animal disease prevention, containment, and eradication efforts underway in the area." Similarly, a state biologist or conservation officer may approach a landowner to obtain permission to collect wildlife samples from the landowner's proper