Iowa Bowhunting

The first season Mid-America Hunting Association leased private land in Iowa's southwest corner the trophy bowhunters found immediate success. Selecting land in this part of the state was influenced by the trophy whitetail deer in that region and due to its pheasant and quail populations. Having multiple purpose land makes more acreage available for whitetail deer bowhunting than could be attained if only one type of hunters paid for it. This is the value of collective leasing, more acreage per hunter within his hunting interest. And, it continues as that it is the upland bird hunter that pays for this land due to the Iowa competitive draw tag greatly limiting the archery hunters from hunting that lease land. Without the bird hunters the archer deer hunters would miss this hunting opportunity.

The second season we leased land there were two 170 class trophies harvested from 12 hunters sharing at that time 14,000 acres. Anyone that does not recognize that success rate simply is unaware of how hard bow hunting has always been. Since then the overall bow hunter success continues to exceed that of Kansas and Missouri when comparing the ratio of hunters to harvest the Hawkeye state continues to be a big draw to our hunters. Part of the equation also includes that fewer bow hunters hunt Iowa than our other two states due to the restrictive nature of the tag draw.

Mike V

via email: "John, just thought that I would send you these pictures. I shot this 8 point up in [deleted], it grossed 160 inches and netted 150 1/8.Take care, Mike"

Wisconsin Bowhunter Lynn M

Northern states hunters do well during our late archery season due to having the right clothing.

148 green score trophy.

Guidelines for when to apply for membership: There is never any pressure to apply for membership at anytime. However, sometimes are better than others. Starting 90 days before the overall hunting season starts in September we are deep into addressing current hunters with their hunting itinerary. If a potential hunter calls us during this period from 90 days before the season until the season close we may not have the time to spend with him. Under the most ideal conditions join early, scout and hunt.

Martin L.

Over a 10 day bow hunt Martin reported seeing 17 bucks. Five had mature trophy quality racks.

This deer has 7 inch bases.

From his clothing it is readily apparent this was an early season harvest.