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This large zone makes up the majority of the central portion of the state. Good numbers of turkey are found here and this zone routinely sees some great harvest numbers each year. The vast majority of this area is composed of private land and the terrain types will vary between crop lands, creek and river bottoms, and mature timber stands. Like most other zones in the state, this area is primarily composed of private lands but there are some good public access options for hunters willing to put in the time to research these.
As with the other zones in the state, private lands dominate the landscape but this zone does have some great public access options that hunters should be considering. Traditional state lands are spread throughout the area but there is a large section available along the northern border near the town of Webster City. Additionally, hunters will also have access to a great collection of Wildlife Management areas throughout the zone that can provide some exceptional hunting opportunities. 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.
Some of the bigger portions of land you might consider for public access:
Des Moines is located in the south central portion 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:
Roughly 8,824 square miles
3% public land
State lands near Webster City - There is a large collection of traditional state owned lands located just southwest of Webster City. These are also in very close proximity to another larger collection of WMA lands. This could be an excellent starting point.
Boone Forks WMA - this 4,500 acre wildlife management area is broken up into several chunks along the Des Moines and Boone River drainages. Terrain is varied here offering hunters some very unique hunting opportunities.
Saylorville WMA - The Saylorville WMA is found in the central portion of the unit and lies along the Des Moines River. This 11,000 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 southeast corner of the zone provides hunters with thousands of acres of river bottom and marshlands that provide excellent habitat.
Des Moines - South central
Marshalltown - East central
Waterloo - Located just outside of the zone in the northeast corner
Webster City - North central
Denison - Western Edge
Harlan - Southwest corner