“. . . there was nothing to see but prairie, green stretches of grassland rolling quietly outward till lost in the haze that trembled on the horizon.” – Norwegian immigrant Laurence Larson describing his l870’s arrival in Winnebago County.   THOMPSON-- Even by rural Iowa standards, Winnebago County’s Linden Township Cemetery is a quiet place. Although bordered
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It’s late summer and the season is moving on. In the woodlands bordering Iowa’s lake and river systems, the last of this year’s crop of green herons are leaving the nest. Cloaked in a bizarre mix of baby fuzz and half grown feathers, the gangling birds aren’t much to look at -- at least at
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  Later this summer, the tabulated results of the DNR's August Roadside Surveys will be used to monitor the population trends of several important Iowa wildlife species.  The noble ground hog [a.k.a. woodchuck] will not be one of those species. But if the DNR were to conduct an official Annual Chuck Count, I'm guessin' this year's tally
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When autumn winds blow and fall weather sets in, Iowa waterfowl hunting enthusiasts can anticipate a strong duck migration during 2015.  That’s the official assessment for this year’s North American Breeding Duck and Habitat Survey released this week by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Conducted every spring since 1955, the annual survey measures trends in
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    Common Wetland Resident Provides Uncommon Opportunity for Bird Study   Many of my most interesting wildlife encounters have occurred as complete surprises rather than carefully planned activities.  A good example began while birding the shallow margins of a local cattail marsh.   I was hoping to photograph newly hatched broods of baby wood ducks when I noticed a female
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  Advancing Storm System Triggers Walleye Rampage “Man, you should have been here yesterday!” Sooner or later, every angler will become acquainted that sad statement.  You know the story.  You’ve just arrived at your favorite fishing water where everyone in the bait shop is absolutely raving about the vicious, no holds barred walleye feeding frenzy that occurred in
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  Iowa Peregrines Soar to New Heights Following decades of absence, Iowa’s fastest bird species is staging a remarkable comeback.  Peregrine falcon numbers continue to soar.  During 2015, a total of 20 active falcon territories have been documented in the state so far – marking an unprecedented increase of five adult pairs over last year’s nesting season. 
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    Everyone loves an early morning encounter with a fired up spring gobbler.  But once the episode concludes, have you ever wondered how many times you actually heard the bird gobble?  Sure, all of us have asked that question at one time or another.  Did the bird gobble 50 times?  Or was it maybe 150?  Well,
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I’m sitting on an isolated prairie hilltop.  It’s still pitch dark; more than an hour to go until sunrise.  Inside my photo blind, I’m fighting the urge to doze off.  I’m located at the edge of an active prairie chicken booming ground [more properly called a lek] hoping to catch a literal glimpse of Iowa’s
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    Once in a Blue Moon there are times when wild turkeys follow the script and the hunt goes exactly as planned.  We’ve all heard and read about those mythical Text Book Turkey Hunts.  You know, the hunts where the weather is perfect, the calling is perfect, and the Old Swamp Gobbler you’ve been plotting against for
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With Less Than An Hour to Hunt, It Was Still Worth A Try   McGREGOR, IA. --- April 13, 2015; the long awaited Opening Day of the Iowa spring turkey season.  Turkey openers are always a big day on the outdoor calendar, and the 2015 kickoff would mark the 36th consecutive year that hunting partner Steve Schutte
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 Wing Bone Calls Provide Link to Turkey Hunting Heritage Most people purchase their turkey calls at a retail outlet or from an online catalog.  Outdoor enthusiast, Dave Thomas gets his calls straight from the woods. Skilled woodsman and longtime Police Chief of Lake Mills, Iowa, Thomas has a long running passion for pursuing elk, white-tails, and wild
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