Is Iowa Public land bowhunting worth the Nonresident cost?

[auburnpack]

I am contemplating on whether to start building preference points for a future Iowa bow hunt. I am looking to bow hunt the last week of Oct or first week of Nov. Considering on hunting public land or paying a trespass fee for private land. I will be traveling from North Carolina.
I have read several posts about Iowa hunting and I have a few questions;

-Would a DIY public land hunt bow hunt during the last week of Oct. be worth the costs (tag, travel etc?) I have read where public land will get real crowded after the first of Nov.

-How much pressure should I expect during the week?

-Is pheasant and coon hunting that big of a problem on public land?

-What is the best way to find private land to bow hunt for a trespass fee? (craigs list, chamber of commerce, etc)
Any information will be appreciated!!

Thanks
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[vrod]

All depends on where the the land is in the state. And whether you are willing to hike farther than everyone else.

 

[Zim]

The pheasants are all extirpated these days, but yes coon hunters are still a problem.

I would not hunt public unless you can pre-scout on Google and put boots on the ground there for 5 solid days. Please don't rely on that power scouting one evening before you hunt. I hate those guys.

 

[Jdubs]

auburn, in my opinion public land is good to hunt. I often pass a good piece of public land in zone 5 and view zero vehicles and once in a while one truck. Also, do not discount knocking on doors. I know this site makes it seem impossible but I disagree. Most resident farmers in my area dislike the deer population and readily give permission. With a little effort you can find a farm that has no or little pressure, especially during archery season. Good luck.

 

[Hardwood11]

Spots to hunt

auburn, in my opinion public land is good to hunt. I often pass a good piece of public land in zone 5 and view zero vehicles and once in a while one truck. Also, do not discount knocking on doors. I know this site makes it seem impossible but I disagree. Most resident farmers in my area dislike the deer population and readily give permission. With a little effort you can find a farm that has no or little pressure, especially during archery season. Good luck.

I would agree, very possible to pick up some private ground to archery hunt. The farmers I talk to (as mentioned by Jdubs)...don't care for deer that much. I asked one farmer in Davis County if he had tags for the upcoming deer season, he said "tags, we don't use tags" Kind of reminded me of the "playoffs" comment by Jim Mora.

A combo of both private and public would be a good option!

 

[SCOFFIN]

I've been pretty much bow hunting public land for the last 10 years and no way would I totally count on it if I were to travel that far to hunt. I've had too many hunts where I did everything right only to have people come out and target shoot around me, a troop of cub scouts come through, or people riding horses through where I'm hunting. Really makes you feel good about getting up at 2am just to have it blown for you at 8am..

If you can, start working on private land. But not any private land I may be trying to get...

 

[sureshot]

You can find some great public ground here in the state with little pressure. I know it's a common mindset that public ground= crappy ground, but that's just not the case on the right piece. If you put a little time in, and do some homework, you'll have a great hunt. Just an FYI, personally, I would pick the first week in November.

 

[SEIowaDeerslayer]

If you're not lazy and are willing to work your tail off to fill your tag, our public lands are pretty good. Being in decent shape helps as well because to get to the best spots where most hunters don't go you'll have to hike a long ways through some pretty rugged terrain. Its worth it though.