Iowa

Vermin93 · Apr 22, 2015

Does anyone know how many points I need to have to expect to draw an archery tag in Iowa? I'm going into this year's draw with 2 points.

tnshooter · Apr 22, 2015

You might get lucky this year. Next year for sure. What area are you trying for? It will be worth the wait. Best Stat by far I have hunted.

Vermin93 · Apr 22, 2015

I'm not sure what area, although I plan to do DIY public land because I like the challenge. I want to be able to plan with certainty, so I may just buy a 3rd point this year and go into 2016 very confident that I will draw.

scn · Apr 22, 2015

I've been told that in most of Iowa it takes three years for a NR to draw a tag. But, I, personally haven't tried.

fairchaser · Apr 22, 2015

We are applying in zone 2 and last year you had a 98% chance for drawing a tag with 1 point. But, that's because it's the worst zone. We hunt private land so that helps.

lungpuncher1 · Apr 25, 2015

Vermin93":pf0yklnn said:
I'm not sure what area, although I plan to do DIY public land because I like the challenge. I want to be able to plan with certainty, so I may just buy a 3rd point this year and go into 2016 very confident that I will draw.

If you apply for zone 5, 6 (SE) or 9 (NE) you will need to go into it with 3 points. Any other zone and you could very easily get draw with less than 3 points. Personally I would look at zone 4 or 5. More public land and less TV personalities to get everything crowded like zone 6 or 9. Zone 4 isn't really a sleeper but it is good and it's not near as crowded. It's right on the edge of great hunting but not crowded like the big named counties/ zones.

FYI, Don't bring a climber only, buy a lonewolf or xop stand and some sticks. Straight trees aren't as plentiful in zone 4 as they are in Tennessee. And make a scouting trip if possible.