I dont know what part of the state you plan on hunting, but you have plenty of time to plan it as it will take you at least 3 years to draw a $550 tag for archery. I started going to Iowa 15 years ago and drew every year for 4 years in a row. Then as Iowa started to show up in every hunting magazine printed it was every other year and now it takes 3 preferance points to get a tag. I hunt the NE corner of the state on both private and public and have had excellent hunting. Don't get me wrong, the first couple of years were tough until I got to know the ins and outs. I wish you luck on planning your hunt