In a recent blog I laid out my whitetail strategy for the Midwest. To quickly summarize, I typically hunt whitetails in Kansas every year since drawing a tag in this whitetail mecca is very easy – approaching 100-percent drawing odds. The only time I may deviate in hunting Kansas are during years I draw a whitetail tag in Iowa. I’m a bowhunter, so this typically occurs every fourth year, since it takes a minimum of three preference points to draw an Iowa archery tag in the zones I hunt.
If hunting big whitetails is at the addiction level for you as it is for me, and if the application program I just outlined seems attractive, then purchasing an Iowa preference point every year is imperative. The deadline to obtain this valuable point is June 6th.
Further, if you already possess the required number of preference points to draw an Iowa whitetail tag, then booking a hunt before this deadline will be the next step. Here are two excellent deer camps to consider – either for this year or in the future. These are WTA TAGS most long-standing and reliable whitetail – big whitetail – outfitters in the great state of Iowa:
Hunt #1:
This hunt takes place near the town of Brooks. This middle-of-nowhere location is a haven for big bucks because it has a perfect mix of farmland, thickets, cedars and hardwoods – ideal habitat for whitetails. And, this outfitter controls thousands of acres and has dozens of strategically located, comfortable stands. Morning sets, evening sets, different wind directions – this outfitter is completely dialed in. And on top of the great hunting, this family operation will make you feel at home as you settle in for the week. Their newly constructed lodge and excellent home-cooked and hardy meals will help keep you rested and focused during your days perched in the stand. If you are interested in archery hunting in 2021, and are sitting on three preference points, there is one opening: November 13-18.
Also, note there are several available openings for archery hunting in 2022 throughout the November rut. If you’re considering a firearm hunt in 2021 or 2022, and have one preference point, your options are shotgun hunting in December or muzzleloader hunting in December/January. Several openings are still available.
Hunt #2:
This comfortable, professionally operated camp is run by a group of absolute gentlemen – just great guys. They are well-known, well-liked area firefighters, and during the Iowa deer season their stealthy approach has been helping our clients put the smackdown on some of the Midwest’s biggest bucks. This country has more of a roll to it with huge stands of hardwood ridges and deep ravines leading into flowing creek bottoms and massive cornfields. It’s a true masterpiece combination of habitat and opportunity; and an absolute pleasure to hunt. The biggest whitetails in the country roam these hollows. The outfitter has the area stacked with strategically placed, extremely comfortable Millennium ladder stands for long sits in the timber, if necessary. Availability here for 2021 consists of four openings Oct 31-Nov 5 and two openings Nov 14-19. If you have at least three preference points in your pocket, you should consider booking this archery hunt today.
Also, the December shotgun and December/January muzzleloader hunts have several openings in 2021 and 2022. And, these firearm hunts require only one preference point to book.
I truly believe the state of Iowa offers a deer hunter his/her best chance at harvesting a Booner, especially during the November archery season. I also believe Iowa, particularly on the operations listed above, is primed to peak again, both from a deer numbers standpoint and age-class perspective. I can’t say it any clearer. Now is the time to book Iowa!
If I could bowhunt the big-buck country of Iowa every year I certainly would, but I can’t. It takes preference points. At a very minimum you should buy a point by the June 6th application deadline. You’ll be glad you did in the near future. If you are already sitting on the required points to draw (three points for archery, one point for gun), the sooner you cash in these points the better so you can not only take your hunt but also start building points for future hunt. Don’t sit still, not for a year, not for a season. Never. Cash in those points, go hunting, build points, repeat.
Call and we can discuss details of the two hunt options I mentioned above. Remember, June 6th (application deadline day) falls on a Sunday this year. That can trip up some people. Don’t miss out. Call us and we will handle your application and/or book your hunt. June is almost here. Please call by Friday June 4th so you don’t miss out.
We can be reached at 1-800-755-TAGS (8247).
