Is Iowa worth it for NR

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Uncle Lou
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Is Iowa worth it for NR

Unread postby Uncle Lou » Sat Dec 26, 2020 11:42 am

The wait, the points system, the price?

I have said many times that I would rather go elk hunting than throw my hat in the points ring in Iowa and spend 3+ years and hundreds of dollars - that is UNTIL someone invites you. That kinda changes things. When a longtime BEAST says you should come here and I will get you on something, hmmmm.

So what do the rest of you think? How many years does it take, when is the app period for non residents? Anything else I should know?


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Re: Is Iowa worth it for NR

Unread postby Edcyclopedia » Sat Dec 26, 2020 11:54 am

You tell that beast that invited you that you won't go unless Edcylopedia goes...! :snooty:
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Re: Is Iowa worth it for NR

Unread postby Uncle Lou » Sat Dec 26, 2020 12:07 pm

Edcyclopedia wrote:You tell that beast that invited you that you won't go unless Edcylopedia goes...! :snooty:


Now that would be something.
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Re: Is Iowa worth it for NR

Unread postby WV Bowhunter » Sat Dec 26, 2020 1:14 pm

Lou, definitely worth going at least once and see what the rut there is like. I know I’ll be going back when I can.
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Re: Is Iowa worth it for NR

Unread postby G3s » Sat Dec 26, 2020 1:20 pm

Lou, the rut in Iowa is an experience to behold. I believe the application period is from May-June, but Id confirm that. You can just buy points instead of putting in for a tag. I would just buy points for 3 years, they're like $50 and never expire. Put in for your tag on the third or fourth year. Worth it is definitely a personal thought process...to a big buck junky I am all in :-)
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Re: Is Iowa worth it for NR

Unread postby gsquared23 » Sat Dec 26, 2020 1:23 pm

Totally worth it. They actually know how to manage a deer herd and will limit nonresident tags which gives you a realistic chance at a good aged buck, even on public land. I’d move to Iowa just for the deer hunting if it wouldn’t cost me half my stuff
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Re: Is Iowa worth it for NR

Unread postby Trout » Sat Dec 26, 2020 1:24 pm

I dont think Iowa is worth it, but I do think you should jump on the opportunity because sharing a hunting camp with a good friend or two is priceless.
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Re: Is Iowa worth it for NR

Unread postby bigbuckhunter88 » Sat Dec 26, 2020 1:24 pm

I'm an Iowa resident so im sure I take it for granted but just from reading and observing if you are a hard-core whitetail hunter I would say it is. Also depends on your goal. If it is for the experience of a bowhunt or rut hunt then it will take 3 or 4 years. I've said it many times that if your goal is just to shoot or see a certain size deer then an Iowa firearm tag is overlooked. Some units are 1 point or 2 point and some have very good odds with no points
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Re: Is Iowa worth it for NR

Unread postby Boogieman1 » Sat Dec 26, 2020 1:39 pm

Personally think it comes down to ones financial situation and thirst for giant bucks. In my head at least, if I wanted a shot at a sure enough giant buck Iowa is the best odds. Will be truthful that if I ever get the nutties to do it I won’t be looking at the public route. I want a high odds shot of a sure enough big en. Between those years of applying and the final cost for the NR tag I want things in my favor. That’s a lot of coin to me.

In the grand plan it doesn’t really matter, I don’t base a hunters knowledge solely on size of bone. Just saying for myself if I go through all that and spend that kinda money I want a legit shot at something really special. In other states with cheap otc tags I wouldn’t feel the same. But rest assure I will never go to Iowa in hopes of a 140” class buck
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Re: Is Iowa worth it for NR

Unread postby DEERSLAYER » Sat Dec 26, 2020 3:24 pm

It depends on how big a buck you would need to kill to consider it worth it & where you would be going. Some places in Iowa are far better than others. Having a free place to stay is HUGE & helps make it worth it. If I had a free place to stay I would hunt Kansas, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio or any other great big buck state that I had an invite for. Including some places in Michigan.

Either way, if you have an offer I would act on it soon & accept it before it dries up. I had an offer from an Ohio beast once but I couldn't take advantage of it that year. I never got the offer again. Offers are rare. At least for me, but maybe people just think I'm a jerk. :lol:

I almost forgot that I had an offer from a Wisconsin beast about 10 years ago & didn't take him up on it because I figured he was getting a lot of people that wanted to hunt with him so I felt guilty about going. Dumb decision that I regret. Still..., offers aren't common, Especially in good area's.
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Re: Is Iowa worth it for NR

Unread postby mipubbucks24 » Sat Dec 26, 2020 4:21 pm

As someone who has never been there I would say it’s worth it! To me it would be worth it just to experience the best whitetail state this earth has to offer, at least once. I plan on trying to go once my kids are a little older.
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Re: Is Iowa worth it for NR

Unread postby Jackson Marsh » Sat Dec 26, 2020 4:22 pm

Do it.
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Re: Is Iowa worth it for NR

Unread postby seazofcheeze » Sat Dec 26, 2020 6:16 pm

I'll let you know in 11 months. I'm sitting on a pile of IA points and will be there this fall barring any major unforeseen events.
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Re: Is Iowa worth it for NR

Unread postby Dewey » Sat Dec 26, 2020 6:28 pm

I would hunt there every year if I could. Sucks waiting four years to draw but limiting non-resident tags is why Iowa is so much better than surrounding states. The age structure is better than I have seen anywhere else. Wish I had started hunting there 30 years ago. Some say Iowa passed it's peak over 10 years ago but it's still pretty darn good.
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Re: Is Iowa worth it for NR

Unread postby wdog » Sat Dec 26, 2020 6:46 pm

I know I’ll keep going every year I can draw. It’s incredible, the lack of pressure, sheer number of bucks.

Guys always say, “ I’d rather go out west” but they never go out west. To me Iowa is only every 4 years which offsets the price.


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