Biologists, duck hunters, birders, and wildlife enthusiasts in general have long debated the question of whether or not drake wood ducks enter nesting cavities as pairs prospect for potential nest sites. Some say it occurs frequently, others say rarely, while still others claim it never happens at all. I know for sure that we can throw
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  The possibility of hearing and seeing wild turkeys is one of the best excuses I know for making predawn visits to the spring woodlands.  If you happen to carrying a valid turkey tag, well then so much the better.  The daily shows begin at the first hint of light as eager gobblers sound off from the roost.  As the chorus
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  By the time sun appeared on the eastern horizon, I had counted a total of 15 trumpeter swans sitting in an open area of the marsh. It was the largest number of trumpeters I’ve ever seen there, a vivid reminder of the ongoing success of Iowa’s swan recovery. With snow white plumage, weights exceeding 30 pounds,
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  Spring has arrived; and beautiful yellow dandelions are beginning to bloom. Not everyone shares my enthusiasm for the event. For friends that I categorize as ultra-urbanized lawn care fanatics, the annual appearance of the yellow flowers is anything but welcome. Some acquaintances even go so far as to intentionally poison the colorful plants. But for
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  WILD TURKEY SENDS IOWA HUNTER TO HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM McGregor, Ia.---For retired conservation officer and veteran turkey slayer Steve Schutte, the 2009 spring hunting season ended with a bang, a slash, and an unexpected trip to the hospital ER. The fateful hunt took place in extreme northeastern Iowa where Schutte and I have hunted turkeys for the
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IOWA TURKEY RECOVERY IS CONSERVATION LANDMARK “Now a deer thinks that every tall man is a stump. But the wild turkey thinks that every stump is a tall man. Be prepared. That’s just how nervous, wary, and suspicious a bird you hunters will be dealing with,” Iowa Wildlife Biologist, Rich Bishop addressing a capacity audience during
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  Mature Gobblers Spend Around Four Months of Their Year in the Strut. So why do birds expend so much time and energy in display? Is it to guard territory or attract hens? The answer may come as a surprise. Calling a spring gobbler into close range is one of hunting’s most rewarding challenges. With tail fanned and
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  Iowa’s youth turkey hunting season begins April 9. The regular spring seasons commence April 18. For local turkey hunting enthusiasts, the seasons can’t come a minute too soon. Most hunters are already pacing the floor in anticipation of what to expect when they finally take to their favorite woodland in search of the elusive gobbler.
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I'm hearing from a lot of Iowa turkey hunters who are getting more than a little bit anxious for spring.  Apparently, Iowa's wild turkeys are feeling the same.  Under the influence of lengthening days, our local woodlands are starting to echo with plenty predawn gobbling -- even saw my first turkey rumble this morning.  Immediately
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Here in the Heartland, the cottontail rabbit is one of our most important links in the natural food chain. Prolific to a fault, cottontails are the bane of summer gardeners, preferred menu items for foxes, and time honored fair game for young human hunters packing a pocket full of ammo. Although cottontail rabbits were once a
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At long last, spring has finally arrived. Well, maybe not for you and me. We’re going to have to wait awhile. But for resident great horned owls, the change of seasons is here. Often referred to as ‘Hoot Owl’, the great horned is the very first bird to begin nesting in Iowa each year. The species’
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For a lot of folks, the appearance of the year’s first robin is an exciting event -- a sure and welcome sign of spring. Or is it? For a growing number of North Iowans, catching a glimpse of the year’s first robin has already been checked off the 2016 Outdoor Bucket List; and I think
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