Somewhat new to the forum and Iowa

ShadowFox32

ShadowFox32

New member
Hello Every one My Name is Rob... I have been lurking in the dark for the past year and a half reading and learning as much as possible... I tried my hand at predator hunting this past winter in Arkansas and scored on a couple of fox and a bobcat. I have since moved to Iowa and was wondering if any one could give me some pointers on any public lands or good places to start looking for lands to hunt and possibly a hunting partner .I know no one here and it makes it hard to get started... Im in the waterloo cedar falls area...

Rob
 
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Check out the Iowa DNR web site. For a map of public hunting.

As for private hunting. I would go out & scout some decent looking territory. Specifically, land that has timber cover. As that is where most predators spend most of their time in Iowa. Then stop & introduce yourself to the farmer's.

Majority of the farmer's will let you hunt coyotes & fox. Provided thats all you want to hunt. As some of them, have deer & pheasant hunters already on their property.

I've only been turned down a few times, out of hundreds. When gaining permission to only hunt predators.

BTW, last season I seen more coyotes in central Iowa. Than I ever have in my life. I expect a banner yr, this yr as well.
 
Rob,
I live just north of you in Waverly (20 or so minutes). I am just getting into coyote and fox hunting. Maybe we could hook up sometime and do some hunting. I agree with what Kirby said.
 
Recko555 sounds like a possible plan... The Iowa DNR web site is confusing to me... and seemingly hard to navigate... Is it Just me? I cant even make heads or tails of what firearms are legal for predator hunting here..
Way different from what im used to moving from arkansas where I had 65,000 acres of national forest and 20-30 thousand acres of timber company land to hunt....
 
Welcome to the forum Rob, I'm in Muscatine. This forum and those who frequent it will fill you with information and keep you itching to get out and try some new methods. There are plenty of coyote and fox here in the corn patch and most of the land owners/farmers will allow you to hunt them. If ever in my area, give me a shout before hand and we can go out together and pop a couple.
 
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The DNR's web page does stink. But if you get a atlas and gazateer it will help also. Another thing is go to the local ascs office and pick up a platbook. Then do a little scouting and a little door knocking you should have a bunch of areas to hunt. Another thing is if you get out to the smaller towns and find the local coffee shop start asking the staff questions about anyone looking to remove any predators they should know someone. I have not been turned down by anyone. With close to 35000 acres to hunt on for predators it onpens up the doors for other things as well. Good Luck.
 
Welcome to the forum, but calling in and shooting coyotes in Iowa isn't as easy as it is in the videos due to the land and ditch shooters (slob hunters) ruining calling. But it can be done.
 
Thanks again to every one for the great information... I may have to take some of you up on those invites...
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I would agree that most farmers would be more likely to let you hunt coyotes than deer or pheasants. Look for a place that has cows in the pasture/yards or better yet sheep, and ask. Our public ground is a lot more chopped up than most states, but there are a lot of smaller county areas that are out there. Anytime you can make it over to Western IA near Sioux City, let me know.
 
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