So, I've been thinking. I've heard so many people talk about applying for a non-resident permit in Iowa. From what I have heard it takes around 3 years to get a permit. Okay fine.... great. But when you do get a permit where do you hunt? Do you try and find a lease? Do you hunt public land? Do you know someone that lives there? Do you hire a guide? I interested in hunting there every three years or so but I have no idea where I would hunt and if I'm going through all the effort I want to have the odds stacked in my favor. Disclaimer: I've never traveled out of state to hunt so this idea is completely new to me.
Well I think the answer to this question is different for everyone. I think the best option be to have your own lease or be able to hunt on a friends property for free! But I also know a number of guys that go in there and either ask for permission on private land during the summer or scout public land. I know a lot of people that have taken big bucks on public land in Iowa. 140+.... If I were you, I'd get an idea of where you want to hunt....then head down there some time this spring or summer and knock on a bunch of doors. See if you can get permission on some private land. If this doesnt pan out, come back another time and scout some public land. It can be done!
Okay so the magic answer I was looking for ain't happening. Well not going to spend $500 and all that gas and time to drive there and scout. I would be much better off spending the time and money here. Guess that answers my question. I am still curious how others do it though. I presume most know someone there that allows them to hunt.
Well I know a guy that invited me up ... but it looks like he is gonna be selling his place ... I feel terrible for him...
There is some good public hunting in NE Iowa that would be fairly close to you. I think you can find a lot of information on the Iowa DNR website. I have a buddy that helps an outfitter near Albia that runs a really good operation. I have no idea what he charges, but I know his hunters take some great bucks. If interested, just send me a PM and I can get you the contact information. As far as a seasonal lease, I really have not seen any of that going on. There are some longstanding leases, but just an individual or two.
