Iowa zone 4,5,6

[EastTNboy]

For the ones that's have went on a DIY iowa public land hunt in any of the above zones I'm curious to know what you all thought. I will have four points this year and will be trying to cash them in. I know zone 5 has the most public but seems to have the most pressure from what I've read. Was considering hunting 4 or 6 but I'm curious to hear what others think that have been there. Any advice on these zones is appreciated. Not looking for anyone spots just trying to narrow down on a zone. Thanks!

 

[redblood]

No idea on zones but congrats and good luck…..archery?

 

[EastTNboy]

No idea on zones but congrats and good luck…..archery?

Yes archery

 

[Snake]

Might want to pm @iowavf he may be able to help he's from Iowa.

 

[EastTNboy]

Might want to pm @iowaaf he may be able to help he's from Iowa.

Sent him a message

@iowavf

Thanks!

 

[Snake]

Sent him a message

@iowavf

Thanks!

Sorry about the miss spelling .

 

[tn gunman]

Zone 5 was good to me in 2021 but zone 5 or 6 either would be my choice very similar terrain, but I'm just going by what I saw then I've never stepped foot in zone 4.

 

[nwsg76]

I have hunted zone 4 , 6 and 7.
They ground you have access to is much more important than the zone. Zone 4 has my pick.

 

[EastTNboy]

I have hunted zone 4 , 6 and 7.
They ground you have access to is much more important than the zone. Zone 4 has my pick.

I'll be hunting public.

 

[nwsg76]

I'll be hunting public.

I should have said the type of cover on the ground you hunt is important. Ditches and fence rows can be great during the rut. Deer will follow the edge. But a 80 acre tract with 20 ft wide tree lined ditch during late season is not much help.
Conversely 200 acres of timber is fun to hunt. But with archery it can be a challenge. I prefer archery hunting the fencers and ditch type areas. If gun hunting....I like more cover. But just a personal preference.
Draw a tag, scout, scout, and scout. Then hang and enjoy. An iowa tag is about the experience!

 

[Turkeychaser]

Good luck! You should have made a turkey trip to scout. I have 5 points but can't go this year.

 

[EJ1]

I have 3 points now and need to make up my mind if I'm going public or outfitter.
99% it will be public due to the cost of outfitters for a week of hunting.

 

[Oked]

Are u bow hunting I assume? I muzzleloader hunted in 2020 in zone 5 for 5 days and did not see one other truck around lake I was hunting and not one hunter in the woods. I'm sure it will be busier during archery season but I think u can find places with much pressure. A good friend lives there and he says it isn't bad. If you need more info feel free to pm me. I'll help u all I can.

 

[Oked]

Took this 12 point in 2020

 

[tellico4x4]

Late ML in Iowa is a totally different animal than archery or gun. All about cold weather & food. Can make it easy or can make it difficult. Very overlooked opportunity imo.

 

[EastTNboy]

Are u bow hunting I assume? I muzzleloader hunted in 2020 in zone 5 for 5 days and did not see one other truck around lake I was hunting and not one hunter in the woods. I'm sure it will be busier during archery season but I think u can find places with much pressure. A good friend lives there and he says it isn't bad. If you need more info feel free to pm me. I'll help u all I can.

Yes I will be bow hunting.

 

[EastTNboy]

Took this 12 point in 2020

Wow! Awesome buck!

 

[Joe2Kool]

I've bow hunted public land in zone 4 several times, last time was in 2021. If I can find pics on my phone, I'll post them. If not, I'll post them when I get home

Found one. This was 2016.

 

[Joe2Kool]

Here's one that showed up when I wasn't in this stand Had a shot at a similar sized one later but blew it! Shoot me a PM if you want more info.

 

[EastTNboy]

Here's one that showed up when I wasn't in this stand Had a shot at a similar sized one later but blew it! Shoot me a PM if you want more info.

sent you a pm

 

[EastTNboy]

Are u bow hunting I assume? I muzzleloader hunted in 2020 in zone 5 for 5 days and did not see one other truck around lake I was hunting and not one hunter in the woods. I'm sure it will be busier during archery season but I think u can find places with much pressure. A good friend lives there and he says it isn't bad. If you need more info feel free to pm me. I'll help u all I can.

Sent you a pm

 

[th88]

I'll be there for the first time in Zone 5 from Oct 28 thru Nov 12 if anyone wants to keep in touch about it. Wouldn't mind getting daily reports from others.

 

[Turkeychaser]

Any Iowa deer on the ground yet?

 

[oldmanelrod]

Took this 12 point in 2020

That is the boss buck!

 

[Bushape]

Is archery the preferred hunt to go on? Assuming it coincides with the rut.

 

[th88]

Been a long 2 weeks filled with ups and downs. On the afternoon of day 14 I finally connected. Climbed tree yesterday afternoon and spotted this buck in CRP field walking around and rubbing. After 10 minutes of watching him and trying to unsuccessfully call him in, I decided to go to him. After a 45 minute stalk he got up from his bed at 12 yards! Incredible hunt.

 

[KTS]

Wow, congratulations, that is a brute of a buck!
What did it field dress?

 

[DoubleRidge]

Been a long 2 weeks filled with ups and downs. On the afternoon of day 14 I finally connected. Climbed tree yesterday afternoon and spotted this buck in CRP field walking around and rubbing. After 10 minutes of watching him and trying to unsuccessfully call him in, I decided to go to him. After a 45 minute stalk he got up from his bed at 12 yards! Incredible hunt.

Thats awesome! Congratulations!

 

[Turkeychaser]

Been a long 2 weeks filled with ups and downs. On the afternoon of day 14 I finally connected. Climbed tree yesterday afternoon and spotted this buck in CRP field walking around and rubbing. After 10 minutes of watching him and trying to unsuccessfully call him in, I decided to go to him. After a 45 minute stalk he got up from his bed at 12 yards! Incredible hunt.

Congratulations!!

 

[bhud84]

Good unn...congrats!