First-Time Hunter – Need E-Scouting Help in Hawkeye Wildlife Area (Iowa)

Hey everyone,

This will be my very first deer season, and I’ll be bowhunting in the Hawkeye Wildlife Area in Johnson County, Iowa. I’ve been doing some e-scouting on OnX and Google Earth, and I plan to upload a few screenshots of the areas I’ve marked.

I’m still learning how to read terrain, access, and pressure, so what I’d really like is for some of you who know public land hunting to take a look and tell me:

If you were hunting here, where would YOU set up?

Which areas look like good bedding, feeding, or travel routes?

Where do you think pressure will be worst, and how would you avoid it?


I’m not after a wall-hanger buck — I’d just be thrilled to put some meat in the freezer and learn as much as I can this first season. Any advice, feedback, or even circling spots on the maps I upload would be a huge help.

Thanks a ton for your time and for helping a new hunter get started!

 

I plan on putting boots on the ground. This weekend, I just don't know if i'm heading to the right spots to even begin looking