Few wildlife events have created more excitement than the well-publicized invasion of wild mountain lions into Iowa. So much so, that the excitement has, at times, bordered on near hysteria. In reality, it isn’t likely that Iowa will ever harbor a viable population of free roaming cougars – even a small one. But it is probable,

Starry Nights, Crisp Mountain Meadows, Bugling Bulls All The Necessary Ingredients For Enjoying A Colorado Rocky Mountain High Participating in a high country, muscle pulling, lung busting public lands do-it-yourself wilderness elk hunt is one of bow hunting's great challenges. Colorado, the state harboring more elk than any other, is as good a place as any to attempt

  Most of the doves left early. The annual flight of blue-winged teal is running late. But the fall migration of ruby-throated hummingbirds is right on schedule. Urged south by shortening photo periods, tens of thousands of hummingbirds are currently passing through Iowa and there's no better time to enjoy some close up viewing than right

  Viewing Can Become A Dangerous Obsession The American bison is the largest land animal in the western hemisphere. I've never heard of anyone who didn't find the giant prairie icons fascinating, and some 'buffalo watchers' enjoy the creatures to the point of obsession. I fall into the latter category. When it comes to bison, I can

  CUSTER, SD----If you drive through the western edge of South Dakota’s Black Hills, you’re likely to see some brightly painted yellow road signs that read: Bighorn Sheep Crossing – Be Prepared To Stop. Unfortunately, the colorful steel billboards are mostly wishful thinking. And if you suddenly do have to slam on your brakes, it will likely

  Nothing makes a raccoon any madder than when a family of humans invades its sweet corn patch. It happens every summer in Iowa. But the masked marauders sometimes get the last laugh by raiding brim full garbage cans and scattering the heat ripened contents far and wide. They add further insult by conducting late night

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Predicts Strong Duck Migration For 2016             When the leaves turn color and autumn winds blow, Iowa duck hunters can anticipate seeing a strong migration during 2016. That’s the official assessment from this year’s North American Breeding Duck and Habitat Survey released this week by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Conducted

  One thing that my Dad and I could always agree on was that neither one of us had ever landed a walleye while mowing the lawn. I am reminded of that depressing truth every time I crank up the mower and begin another mindless session of circling round and round the yard; engine roaring, blades

  They were a motley looking crew; a bachelor group of four drake mallards quietly sneaking their way through an opening in the cattails. Deep into the summer molt, the birds scarcely resembled the familiar elegantly plumed “Greenheads” of early spring. Rendered flightless by a complete loss of primary wing feathers, the drakes would remain grounded

             Not All Wildlife Encounters End in Warm Fuzzies  Nothing compares to a day spent in the great out-of-doors. Depending on individual interests, outdoor fun may include hunting, fishing, hiking, canoeing, biking or birding. The list is virtually endless. But hidden among all that outdoor fun are potential dangers; many of which may take us by complete

  The Fourth of July parades and picnics may be past; but for this North Iowa gobbler the celebration continues.  In spite of the calendar date and return of mid-summer heat, I spotted this gobbler proudly strutting his stuff in a Cerro Gordo County hay field.  Assuming he began displaying [like most gobblers did] sometime in

  GOOSE RODEO AIDS IN WATERFOWL MANAGEMENT VENTURA -- The trap was set. The noose was tightening. With canoes, kayak, and DNR patrol boat drawing ever closer; the retreating goose flock had little chance for escape. With adult geese rendered temporarily flightless by the summer molt and this year's crop of youngsters not yet capable of taking