Hey Iowa Bowhunters...

[Stump Shooter]

We got drawn for a bow tag this year, but my buddy and I are struggling a little bit on when to come down to hunt. We both have roughly a week to hunt....but WHEN? We were thinking roughly from Oct. 29/30 through Nov 6th. I was wondering if I could pick your brains a little bit to see when you guys see the most buck activity, when you have seen the big boys run and/or when you feel the best week is for our bow hunt. We are hunting the south western part of the state. Thanks in advance for the insight!! We appreciate it!

Xtec

 

[River1]

I always see the most deer moving during the period of Nov. 4th - 10th, but lately have shot my bucks after the 10th, go figure.

Wouldn't recommend the weekend after Thankgiving, could be a mess if the antlerless tags didn't sell in your area.

 

[Ghost]

Ditto! The first two weeks of November are both real good.

Lock down, or peak rut, plus or minus a few days of the 15th IMO.

Make sure to hunt all day during this time frame...you may find that mid-day holds a chance of a lifetime.

Good Luck!

 

[Limb Chicken]

Nov. 10-19 is Primetime for me...If I had to pick one day to be in the tree it would be the 11th of Nov...Congrats on the tag and Good luck!

 

[DOUBLE LUNG]

For sure the first 2 weeks of November.

 

[Skully]

I'm with you Limb. The 11th has been a good day for me the last few years. You can bet I'll be taking that Friday off this November!

 

[Stump Shooter]

Sitting in the tree all day is the goal and I will be out there as long as my arse can take it. lol But could you fellas narrow it down a little bit? Put yourself in my shoes and give me your ultimate week to be hunting down there. A week that you just can't stay at home or you'd be kickin yourself in the butt type of stuff. You have a week to hunt and obviously want to shoot a monster or atleast have an opp at a shooter. What week or this years dates would you go? If I had 2 weeks, this would be a no brainer.

Thanks,
Xtec

 

[jkratz5]

I too like the second week in November and have seen some of my biggest bucks during this time. Last year I killed a P&Y on the 12th, and saw two typical Booners one on the 11th and 12th. If I was going to take a week I would go from the 7-14 or so of November.

 

[TallTines]

I would say the first week in november for sure. Where I was last year in SE IA the trigger really hit on Nov. 2 and lasted till about the 9th till the bucks started to breed. Every year is different but definately the first week in Nov. for me. If you don't get one then come back during late nov. for some real big boys.....that is if you don't get shot by our new rifle season.

 

[Ghost]

Specific week for me after looking at the calendar...

November 7,8,9,10,11th and add the weekends on both sides.

 

[Scott]

Take a look at this

http://www.iowawhitetail.com/ubbthreads/favlinker.php?Cat=&Entry=598&F_Board=UBB1&Thread=83728&partnumber=&postmarker=]www.iowawhitetail.com

 

[cybball]

My lucky day seems to be Nov. 7th for some reason. Killed several on this day. End of the first week into week #2 is my first choice if I was from out of state.

 

[Stump Shooter]

Thanks Scott. Looking through all of that(toss out the gun dates), it's really a mix on whether the 1st week of Nov is the best or the 2nd week. I appreciate all the info!

Xtec

 

[Limb Chicken]

Xtec, the fist week has been slow according to my notes the last three years, I have recorded a pick up in activity during the second week and some of the biggest bucks of the year during the third week. But as far as numbers of good bucks the second week has been the best as of late. Last year I saw very little activity the first week of November, was very discouraging.

 

[Stump Shooter]

Great! So now your saying I have to talk to the wife and see if she'll let me be gone for 3 weeks? Uh oh. I might need a place to stay for awhile. Anyone have a place for me to sleep for awhile? lol

 

[Scott]

Just come for all of november and you will be all right.

 

[Stump Shooter]

Then I would need a place to stay Scott. lol Probably permanently if I hunt in Iowa for a whole month. Should I packup my stuff before I come down or just pick all of it up off of the front lawn when I get home?

 

[DOR]

The 3 bucks I have shot in IA have been on Nov 4th, 6th, and 15th.

I personally would go the first week of no v. 1-7 or maybe even 3-10 would be better. THey are on the move for sure that week with no risk of tie down from the estrous does. But any period oct25-nov27 is a great option compared to hunting MN

 

[Critter]

Any of the above mentioned times are great with a definate emphasis put on the second week. Another factor to consider, although you won't be able to control, is weather. Big bucks are going to move regardless, but during warm dry periods(even in November) your daytime sighting will diminish in my opinion. Your best option, although maybe not available, would be to wait to put your vacation in until the beginning of the month. If the first week is forcasted to be warm and dry, opt for the second week. If the first week is forecasted to be cold, it might be something you would want to consider. Didn't mean to confuse you anymore if I did.

CRITR