I plan on shotgun hunting this year, hopefully bow next year. deer activity is high around this part of wisconsin-iowa right now, especially iowa. the bucks are strting to move with this cold front we got.

I dont think you could be anymore wrong on teh IDNR. They are not stupid, as they know how to make $$$. They need to start shooting does in NE iowa very badly. Earn a buck needs to be emplaced. or something where as long as you shoot a buck, you need a doe with it to register it. they need to register their deer if they do that. Non resident landowners need prefernce. We pay TAXES, therefore, we should have more of an advantage to teh average Joe just putting in for a either sex permit. We're giving the iowa government money, unlike non landowners. I like the lottery system, but not when landowners are the same as non landowners. also, doe tags should be OTC for $15 a pop. Who on God's Green Earth would pay 150 dollars to shoot a baldie? i certainly wouldnt. I'm fine with 300 dollars for either sex. i think its way too much to shoot a deer but hey, its iowa...some good bucks over there. If iowa doesnt start going with EAB or very low prices on doe tags, then they're gonna be in teh same boat wisconsin is....how farmers in NE iowa make any money at all is beyond my imagination...

slayer

Admittedly, I haven't checked into non-resident hunting here in Iowa. I've heard that they are high but don't know. I know that hunting out West is extremely high, also with no point system in Wyoming I've put in for an Elk permit for 5 years without any luck.

As far as Iowa goes, there are an over abundance of Does! Our first Doe tag is $26 then they are $11 after that. And they are bought across the counter. Between me and the boy, we'll harvest 4 or 5 and maybe, yes I said maybe, get a shot at a buck. Bucks don't have to travel very far for either food or sex. With all the corn and Does, a buck has it made. I agree that Non-res's should be able to shoot Does with over the counter Doe tags, but they won't listen to me, and I pay a ton of taxes. I'm a land owner too and live on that land.

I passed on a forkhorn and a small doe last week. I went out this morning with my m-loader, but the wind is BAD. I drive by a fenced-in herd of elk on the way home and they were all bedded down. Jim

i hunt the very NE of iowa and you are right there are some beauties in iowa though it is only my second year bowhunting (iam only 15) i have yet to get one of them. iam going out tomm morning see if i cant bag me one. and good luck to all hunters lets hope for the best. Solo

Where you from solo? I am originally from Cresco and shot quite a few nice ones up there. Good luck!

outside of lansing, ia. alot good places to hunt up this way with all the hills then the islands by the mississippi river. good luck to you too Woodline.