One Mission.
One Vision.
We envision an Iowa with abundant wildlife, well-managed public and private lands, clean water and healthy soils that can be enjoyed by current and future generations through a multitude of outdoor recreational pursuits, including hunting, fishing and wildlife watching.
Witness the Beauty of Iowa


Washburn's Outdoor Journal
It’s that time of year again. Iowa’s Baby Bird & Bunny season is officially underway. For me, each new sighting …
Hunting wild turkeys with primitive [handmade] archery equipment is one of my favorite outdoor pastimes. It is also the most …
The latter half of May is a time that no Iowa birding enthusiast would willingly choose to miss. The annual …
Blue-winged Teal Steal the Show During Spring Migration For Iowa wildlife enthusiasts, the spring waterfowl migration represents a major highlight of …
Youth Turkey Hunt Provides Lifetime Memories The first of Iowa’s five-part spring turkey seasons opened Friday, April 7, with the …
Luring flocks of wild ducks and geese into a well-placed spread of decoys – or at least making the attempt …
With its four-foot height, six-foot wingspan, ear piercing call, and penetrating stare; the crimson-capped sandhill crane is about as charismatic …
The first of Iowa’s five-part 2023 Spring Turkey hunting seasons begins with a special three-day mentored youth hunt running April …
In case you haven’t heard, we’re sitting smack in the path of a fast moving, widespread spring blizzard. Scheduled to …
The first of the 2023 Iowa deer seasons is up and running. Differing from all other deer seasons, the current …
This year’s pheasant season closed on January 10. Although gone, the past season is certainly not forgotten. For many -- …
For many Iowans, late season snowfalls and frigid winds make it seem as if winter will never end. But in …
While most Iowa hunting seasons are now closed, cottontail rabbits provide an exception. They remain legal game until the end …
With its prominent crest, crimson plumage, and cheery song, the cardinal is one of Iowa’s most beloved songbirds. Considering the …
Pursuing late season cottontails is one of my favorite forms of winter recreation. It’s a team effort, and I never …