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.

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Fishing in Iowa

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Thank you Outdoors International!

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

Charlie Green

Hunting, Iowa, North America, Outfitter #OI-JSTH, United States, Whitetail Deer