Outdoor and Sporting Activities in Iowa
Iowa is a hidden gem for sportsmen seeking outdoor adventures. Hunt trophy-worthy whitetail deer in the state’s fertile woodlands or enjoy waterfowl hunting along the Mississippi Flyway. Anglers can reel in bass, walleye, and catfish from Iowa’s rivers and lakes, while hikers and campers explore scenic trails in Loess Hills and Backbone State Park. Whether you’re hunting, fishing, or hiking, Iowa’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Book your next Iowa outdoor experience right here! This category features guided trips, lodging, and outfitter services across the Hawkeye State, specializing in its world-class hunting and fishing, alongside unique outdoor recreation.
Adventure Travel
Discover guided kayaking/canoeing excursions on scenic rivers, explore trails in state parks like Pikes Peak or the Loess Hills, or plan other recreational outings with local experts.
Guided Fishing Trips
Hire a guide to target Walleye, Crappie, Catfish, Bass, and Panfish on Iowa's natural lakes, reservoirs, or major rivers. Includes specialized trips for Northeast Iowa trout streams.
Guided Wingshooting
Experience Iowa's legendary Pheasant hunts, pursue Bobwhite Quail, target waterfowl along the Mississippi Flyway with experienced guides and dogs, often on prime private land.
Guided Big Game Hunting
Book a hunt for Iowa's trophy Whitetail Deer during archery, shotgun, or muzzleloader seasons, or plan a guided Spring or Fall Turkey hunt with expert local outfitters. Iowa is known in the hunting community for big whitetail deer. It ranks #2 according to both the Pope and Young and Boone and Crockett records, even though it gives out the least amount of tags of any other state excluding Kansas. Many hunters consider Iowa to be the best state in the Midwest for trophy whitetails.
What You'll Need to Go Hunting in Iowa
- Hunter safety certificate may be required if born on or after January 1, 1967.
- Iowa hunters are chosen by a draw system, and they do have preference points.
- No rifle hunting is allowed in Iowa. This state only allows shotgun, muzzleloader, handgun and archery seasons.
- The archery hunt is possibly the best in the world, but it has gotten very difficult to draw a tag (but it’s worth the wait).
- Because it’s become so difficult to draw an archery tag, the gun hunts have been exceptional because some farms go nearly un-hunted until the firearms seasons.
Outdoors International can help you find licensed outfitters, experienced guides, and unique Iowa lodges offering unforgettable hunting, fishing, and adventure experiences.
The Iowa outdoors offer more than most people think. The Hawkeye State is full of [...]
Iowa is a great place to go fishing for bass, walleye, pike, crappie, catfish and [...]
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It was an amazing steelhead fishing trip! I brought my dad along with me and we slayed the fish. If you guys aren't applying for the OI Draws, you should. They're legit!
Tyler Kirk
/ OI Draw Winner
I couldn't believe we won!
We won this fully guided, all-inclusive New Zealand red stag hunt in the OI Draw! I highly recommend this hunt, and Outdoors International—fantastic company, amazing meals, and hunts that are second to none.
Brandon Ball
/ OI Draw Winner
I'm so grateful for the opportunity!
Thank you to Outdoors International, all the PH's and their awesome staff. I made some new friends and will be back to Africa again 100%.
Brye Mangum
/ OI Draw Winner
My most memorable and rewarding experience.
This was my first guided hunt, and the outfitter was amazing. He was able to keep me motivated and encouraged to hold out for true trophies. I would rate him on an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10! I never thought Africa would be a reality for me. Thank you Outdoors International.
Dason Lasater
/ OI Draw Winner
I didn't think an experience like this was possible.
This trip, was, for me at least not just a trip, for me it was a real adventure, a real experience. I love the wilderness and this trip afforded me the opportunity to connect with the Alaskan wilderness in ways very few people do. It was an experience I will never forgot in a place I can’t wait to get back to.
Oliver Fischer
The outfitter handled everything perfectly.
We were thankful that Outdoors International hooked us up with a great outfitter because they were able to find us an acceptable alternate on short notice. Overall the two year process to get this float in was seamless and worry free. Just like it should be.
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Stan Masneri
What an amazing experience!
The lodge was out of this world! Our rooms, the delicious food, the incredible wildlife and the scenery were amazing. Our photo safari guide was truly exceptional and had us on animals almost constantly. We saw over 30 different species and had some incredible up close experiences. Africa is amazing!
Scott Navares