The Richest Tradition: Iowa’s Shotgun Season

by Thomas on December 5, 2011

Midwest Iowa Outdoors® & Outside Iowa®

With Thomas Allen

(November 28th, 2011)

I can remember my first shotgun season as clear as last night’s hunt.  There is something about that first experience that shines in my memory, and is still something I greatly look forward to every year.  In fact, I really think I get more excited about the opening day than I do Christmas Eve!

I think back on those days with fondness and am really looking forward to introducing my son and daughter to the excitement of opening day of deer season.  This coming weekend, December 3rd, is when Iowa’s blaze army hits the woods across the state looking for big racks and ample amounts of succulent meat to fill the freezer with.  If you are timber bound, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, whether you are participating it the block and drive method or you are planning on sitting over a hot food source, the weather will have an impact in how you should approach your hunt.  Pay close attention to the weather forecast all week and build your game plan accordingly.  However, at this point, it doesn’t look like shotgun season will take place under adverse winter conditions, which could be good or bad depending on how you prefer it.  Obviously how you dress is key.  If you are hunting with a large group and plan on walking across the terrain, dressing light is a good idea.

If you plan on sitting, packing in the majority of your outer layers is a good idea.  This helps to keep you from sweating, which will eventually freeze and make you very cold.  If you have a leaking problem like I do, this is very important.  I also like to stock up on the chemical hand and foot warmers as both my hands and feet tend to get cold easily.  If that makes me a wimp, so be it!  I prefer comfort to pride.

This really should go without saying, but spend the days prior to the season’s opener getting your slug gun dialed in.  If you are hunting with a group and employing the block and drive method, I’d suggest iron sights, as it is easier to make effective shots on moving deer.  If you are sitting over food, a quality scope will be worth its weight in gold!

This also goes without saying, but safety needs to be your absolute first priority!  I know there are those that prefer party hunting to stand hunting, and those that prefer deer drives to hunting to a food source.  I am just thankful we are able to participate regardless of the method of take.  There is no wrong way as long as it is legal and ethical.  Always know your target.  NEVER shoot at something that you are unsure of.

Iowa code requires you wear a solid blaze orange vest, but I wouldn’t stop there.  I would wear as much blaze as possible so any nearby deer hunters can easily identify you without question.  It’s just not worth the risk.  The vast majority of Iowa hunters take safety very seriously, but one second of carelessness can result in tragedy.  I recall that first shotgun hunt I went on where the landowner and party leader went through the rules and plan of attack in detailed fashion in advance.  Each and every one of us knew exactly what to do and we had a very successful hunt.

If this upcoming firearm season is not apart of your early winter tradition just yet, I strongly suggest starting your own or looking for a crew that might have an opening or two.  It is just flat out a lot of fun, and also provides an excellent opportunity to get the next generation exposed to the great sport of deer hunting.  Good luck and be safe!

Live It Up

(Thomas resides with his wife and two children in Guthrie Center, Iowa.  He is a professional outdoor writer, photographer, videographer, and outdoor talk radio show host; for more information visit www.outdoorpursuitsradio.com.  If you have questions or comments feel free to email Thomas at tha481@gmail.com)

Tagged as: iowa deer hunting, iowa shotgun hunting, late aseoan, Midwest Iowa Outdoors, Outside Iowa, Thomas Allen

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