Outside Iowa: The December tradition of the Blaze
There is no greater outdoor tradition in Iowa than the shotgun seasons, which are about to get underway this coming weekend. It brings families together for good eats, healthy fellowship, and big bucks! For most of Iowa’s deer hunters this is what they live for.
Before we get into those details, let’s first discuss the final week of Iowa’s early bowseason, which closes at the end of legal shooting light Nov. 30.
Yes, what most consider the best two weeks of the season have come and gone. But, this last week of November often accounts for some of the biggest deer of the season. If you still have a tag left, don’t hang it up just yet.
We are entering the post-rut phase where the primary focus becomes food again, but there will be continued rutting activity taking place now through the end of December on a regular basis. During this final week, I would encourage you to pull out all the stops and hit your best spots with intentions to sit as long as you can.
With the majority of the does having been bred and moving on to better things, the bucks that were locked down a week or two earlier will be going on the prowl for any late in-coming does or even fawns about to enter their initial heat cycle.
Midday activity will be pivotal and if you can manage an all-day sit or two, this is the week to spend as much time in the tree as possible.
Now onto the biggest game in town. Beginning Saturday and running through Wednesday, Dec. 5 is Iowa’s First Shotgun season. Typically, 50,000+ will take to the field in hopes of filling their tags.
An even greater number of Iowa hunters will be taking advantage of Iowa’s second season, Dec. 8-16.
We could pump this article full of statistics—they certainly have their place—but we really want to focus on basic tactics and safety.
It seems annually we hear about hunting accidents during these two seasons, and there is no doubt they could be avoided if basic deer hunting safety is observed. I know it seems redundant and common sense, but if you aren’t sure of your target, don’t shoot! But, this basic rule is disregarded time and time again. Don’t be one of those hunters!
The block-and-drive method is the most common tactic used during both of these seasons, and the Iowa DNR would tell you that this is an essential tool to adequately managing Iowa’s deer herd, but this it needs to be approached with caution.
Essentially, a group of standers (or blockers) cover known exit routes for the deer and will shoot as the deer are pushed in their direction by the walkers (or drivers).
When executed properly with experienced and veteran shotgunners, this can be safe and effective method.
When putting this together, the leader of the group needs to carefully outline the rules and how each location needs to be covered—a helter-skelter approach must be avoided. Organization wins every time.
If you are more of a stand hunter, this can be an excellent time to sit on a food source or along a busy travel corridor that leads to a destination food source.
With neighboring hunters likely driving deer around the timber, you can easily benefit by sitting on a property that acts as a refuge or has the right food source.
Regardless of your preferred method, please put safety at the forefront of your priorities and only take easy ethical shots at known targets. This is a great time of year with loads of fun to be had. Enjoy, be safe and good luck!
Live It Up!
Thomas resides with his wife and two children in Guthrie Center, Iowa. He is the Managing Editor with North American Fisherman, official publication for North American Fishing Club. For questions or archived articles please visit www.outsideiowa.com; tha481@gmail.com