Quick Tips
- GOHUNT Maps are recommended to help navigate this area
- The dates leading up to the rut will see more daylight activity from bucks than other periods
- Private lands leased by outfitters typically offer the best chances at big bucks
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Whitetail Deer | 120"-150" | 180"+ |
On The Ground
This massive unit is found in the east central portion of the state and features a very healthy deer population. This area is largely characterized by privately owned agricultural fields, interspersed with extensive stands of mature hardwood trees, and numerous creeks, rivers, reservoirs, and swamps. This zone features incredible genetics and record book deer have been killed throughout the area. Private lands compose much of the landscape but there are some great public access opportunities and public land success is totally possible here.
Access
Similar to many other zones across the state, private lands dominate, making public access crucial for the do-it-yourself (DIY) hunter. Public lands are scattered throughout the unit and do provide public land hunters with some good options. While private lands offer the best chances for success, hunters willing to dedicate effort and time to exploring public lands can still find a punched tag at the end of their hunt. Oftentimes, the best private lands are generally leased by outfitters. Looking into outfitters can be a great way to drastically increase your odds of success, and your odds of finding a good buck.
Roughly 11,291 square miles
3% public land
Some of the bigger portions of land you might consider for public access:
Big Marsh WMA - The Big Marsh WMA is found in the northwestern corner of the unit and lies along the West Fork Cedar River. This 4,100 acre piece of land features incredible river bottom country that can be excellent for deer hunting during any season.
Chichaqua Bottoms WMA - This large WMA in the southwest corner of the zone provides hunters with thousands of acres of river bottom and marshlands that provide excellent habitat.
Iowa River Corridor WMA - This massive WMA is found along the Iowa River and features thousands of acres of river bottom and marshland deer habitat. Hunting opportunities are excellent here. This is located in the central portion of the unit near the town of Belle Plaine.
Hawkeye WMA - This enormous 12,600 acre WMA is located on the east side of the zone just south of the town of Cedar Rapids. Located along the Iowa River, this area provides thousands of acres of prime river bottom habitat.
Camping and Lodging
Des Moines is found in the extreme southwest corner of the unit and provides hunters access to anything they might need. Other large towns and communities are spread throughout the zone and can provide many modern housing options in the form of hotels, motels, and rental properties. Established campgrounds can also be found throughout the area, many of these being right near some of the bigger public land sections found here. Sporting goods can be found throughout the zone with the best selections being found in the larger cities. Groceries and normal amenities can be found in nearly all of the towns and communities.
Some of the larger towns and cities located in the zone:
Des Moines - Southwest corner
Muscatine - Southeast corner
Iowa City - East central
Cedar Rapids - East central
Waterloo - North central
Historical Temperatures
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