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Hunted with Buffalo County Outfitters, on an IOWA bowhunt. Joel's (Joel Artis) main operation is in Buffalo County Wisconsin.... he also outfits hunts in SE Iowa (zone 5).

The hunt itself was incredible. I saw between 12-30 deer every day I hunted. The hunt was a 6 day hunt, Oct 31-Nov 6. Weather was perfect 5/6 days, lows in the mid 20s, highs, mid to upper 40s. Within the first 2 hours of being on stand, I grunted a 150 class 4x4 in... he stood facing me at 20 yards. I had pretty much made up my mind I wasn't going to shoot him, but he made the decision for me.... he turned and walked away, without offering a shot.

The week went fast. I was on stand for approximately 11 hours per day. Deer movement was terrific. You can look at the habitat/farms and just know, there are big bucks there. I personally had encounters with a 155-160" 5x6, a 150 class 4x4, and a couple other 140-150 class bucks.

My hunting partner, Cory was covered up in big bucks... the biggest being a 170+ class buck named Homewrecker. Had him @ 27 yards, but branches saved him... so goes bowhunting.

I ended my week by killing a buck I shouldn't have. A 130 class 4x4. He snuck behind my stand, and I reacted, without looking at him well enough. He was moving quickly, and I didn't properly evaluate him. Completely my fault. Bittersweet way to end an exceptional week.

Joel doesn't have a lodge in Iowa. We stayed in Chariton, at Country Cabins, and my friend and I rented a private cabin. Perfect accommodations. Covered porch, kitchen, separate sleeping areas, private bathroom. Food was on our own. Sandwiches packed during the day, and we normally ate fast food for supper, because we were beat after sitting on stand all day. There are restaurants in Chariton, if you want to go that route.

I am rebooked with Joel in Iowa for 2027. He is BOOKED UP through then. The earliest I can hope to draw a tag.... but also a true testament to the quality of operation he is running. Booked 6 years in advance.

My advice... if you have any inkling you might want to ever bowhunt Iowa, start buying points. You cannot draw without them.