2018 Iowa public trip

[bigbuckhunter88]

Congrats on the tags. Get over there and put in the time scouting and you will be rewarded.

Any tips you have since I believe you went last year

Good luck on the trip. That area is home to me. If you have any questions, recommendations on restaurants, or anything let me know. It is an amazing area with great potential

I will maybe could meet up one night for a beer

I'd be game.

[mbucks27]

Ill be out there this year also on public land. Cant wait zone 3 planning first week of Nov will stay longer if necessary.

[venisonassassin]

Congrats on the draw. I'll be in zone 9 this year, probably November. Maybe we'll see you around!

[street28ss]

Congrats on drawing. Hope to see a sweet picture this fall!

[Zonk54]

Nothing like hill country bucks! Ticks are bad this year have the permethrin ready.

[hokiehunter06]

My Dad, a friend, and I will be going out most likely in 2020 from VA. We've got 2 points each right now. Hoping to do a turkey hunt next spring (2019) and scout some and make a quick trip out to scout summer 2020. Contemplating the doe hunt end of December just to see the area and get our feet wet. The whole concept of zones and so many different seasons and regs for deer and turkey and non-residents is a bit confusing. Most likely will have a few calls with the biologists and WMA managers just to make sure we're legal and headed to some productive spots.

After that trip, I'm thinking about a KY early season hunt, since VA's archery season doesn't come in until first Saturday in October.

[feutza]

So looking for some opinions. Me and my buddy are hunting in Iowa in zone 9 and we are wondering what people in past had for better deer movement. Are dates are either October 27-4 or November 2-10. I noticed early muzzle loader ends October 21 so not sure if that gets a lot of pressure and maybe be better off leaving the nov 2. Thanks in advanced

[Jonny]

So looking for some opinions. Me and my buddy are hunting in Iowa in zone 9 and we are wondering what people in past had for better deer movement. Are dates are either October 27-4 or November 2-10. I noticed early muzzle loader ends October 21 so not sure if that gets a lot of pressure and maybe be better off leaving the nov 2. Thanks in advanced

Pretty sure Dewey and Jackson marsh both mentioned that late October was less pressure than early November. At least that’s when I would try to go since it seems like everybody takes off in november

[Brandonkinchen]

Well after 4 years of waiting me and a buddy will be going to Iowa to hunt public. We are pretty excited. I have to start looking at took and will do trips to scout

Good luck. Hope y'all get a couple big ones.

[Jackson Marsh]

So looking for some opinions. Me and my buddy are hunting in Iowa in zone 9 and we are wondering what people in past had for better deer movement. Are dates are either October 27-4 or November 2-10. I noticed early muzzle loader ends October 21 so not sure if that gets a lot of pressure and maybe be better off leaving the nov 2. Thanks in advanced

Pretty sure Dewey and Jackson marsh both mentioned that late October was less pressure than early November. At least that’s when I would try to go since it seems like everybody takes off in november

This past season was the first time I have hunted in October in Iowa, pressure is definitely lower by out of state hunters on public. If you have to limit it to one time frame I would go with your dates of Nov 2-10, and maybe try to sneak in a couple of weekend hunts in late October. Also depends on how well you know the areas you are hunting, bedding etc...

[feutza]

Thanks for the opinions we are going to go at least one time in October but that will probably be it. I was kinda leaning towards leaving November 2 as well

[bigbuckhunter88]

Last week in October or 2nd week in November. Lots of guys up here using their vacation that first week of November which increases pressure which can hurt hunting or help it depending if you have an idea they will get pushed to.

[BorealBushMN]

Good luck! Can't believe what IA charges for Non-resident tags... Definitely nothing I will ever be able to pull off.

[UntouchableNess]

Thanks for the opinions we are going to go at least one time in October but that will probably be it. I was kinda leaning towards leaving November 2 as well

Some people swear by the last week in October. For me, I see lots of chasing/rut activity Nov 2-12. The week of Thanksgiving can be good for big bucks searching for the rare doe that is in estrous. Two of my better bow bucks were killed the last week of November.

Someone mentioned having a couple of different areas scouted, which I would strongly encourage. I hunt a couple of places that are maybe 15 miles apart. One might be dead while the other is hot with action. If you aren't seeing activity, move.

[bigbuckhunter88]

Thanks for the opinions we are going to go at least one time in October but that will probably be it. I was kinda leaning towards leaving November 2 as well

Some people swear by the last week in October. For me, I see lots of chasing/rut activity Nov 2-12. The week of Thanksgiving can be good for big bucks searching for the rare doe that is in estrous. Two of my better bow bucks were killed the last week of November.

Someone mentioned having a couple of different areas scouted, which I would strongly encourage. I hunt a couple of places that are maybe 15 miles apart. One might be dead while the other is hot with action. If you aren't seeing activity, move.

I echo having multiple spots and definitely dont count out a return trip in late November. Many of my best hunts and best bucks come the last 2 weeks of November with less pressure and mature bucks really looking for the last does.