Shimek Forest Questions

[30pointbuck]

I am going to be bow hunting in Shimek this year and have been lookin at maps of this area. I am wondering if anyone can tell me what the sections that are that are shaded and say "In Holding" means.... As I first looked at these in holding areas the first thing that came to mind was that it meant Private Property, but as I look further, I'm not thinking that is what it means.
Also, what kind of crowd will I be looking at during bow season in Shimek. Big, big area, but I'm betting there are plenty who hunt it too?

 

[JNRBRONC]

Not sure where you got the maps, so can't comment on the areas marked "in holding". Check out the DNR maps located at: http://www.iowadnr.gov/forestry/shimek.html

Pretty much able to hunt all the areas shaded on the DNR maps. I've only hunted one of the Croton units, the one furthest to the west. Then, it was gun season, not bow, and it was WWIII. Last time I was down there was 1984.

 

[JNRBRONC]

Ok, after posting, I looked at the topo maps at the DNR website and saw the inholding areas. A quick google search turned up:

An inholding is privately owned land inside the boundary of a national park, national forest, state park, or similar publicly owned, protected area. Inholdings result from private ownership of lands prior to the designation of the protected park or forest area, which then end up grandfathered within the legally designated boundary.

So I'm guessing those areas are off limits. I wonder how well that works???

 

[AZHunter]

Ok, after posting, I looked at the topo maps at the DNR website and saw the inholding areas. A quick google search turned up:

An inholding is privately owned land inside the boundary of a national park, national forest, state park, or similar publicly owned, protected area. Inholdings result from private ownership of lands prior to the designation of the protected park or forest area, which then end up grandfathered within the legally designated boundary.

So I'm guessing those areas are off limits. I wonder how well that works???

We deal with inholdings all the time on NFs, NPs, BLM land, NWRs and that is exactly what they are, parcels of private land surrounded by Federal or State lands. I can't speak to those particular inholdings, but be careful. I would guess they are off-limits unless the DNR has previously arranged for hunter access (it happens down here with AZGFD). Check with the local office or CO to see what they can tell you for sure. Good Luck!

 

[Iowa1]

As far as you question about pressure goes... they get a LOT of pressure during shotgun season and quite a bit during bow season. However, if you are willing to hoof it for a long ways with a stand on your back, you can find areas where you will not find very many footprints.