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Here’s how to work the often overlooked but highly effective free rig
As we prepare to kick off our 2025 bass fishing season in New York, thoughts go to tackle, baits, and locations we’ll likely target for our first bass fishing adventure.
I’m certain most dedicated bass anglers are familiar with top-waters, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, plastic worms and creature baits. There are countless ways and locations to present these lures, but there’s also a presentation with plastics that receives little fanfare that ought to find its way into your bass fishing arsenal.

Landowner conservation assistance could take hit in Trump proposal for the NRCS
Navigating government programs has never been for the faint of heart, nor has it been

Avoid these common situations with puppies so they don’t become bird dog problems later
A lot of folks end up with puppies in the springtime. Most of those pups

Here’s how to work the often overlooked but highly effective free rig
As we prepare to kick off our 2025 bass fishing season in New York, thoughts go to tackle, baits, and locations we’ll likely target for our first bass fishing adventure.
I’m certain most dedicated bass anglers are familiar with top-waters, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, plastic worms and creature baits. There are countless ways and locations to present these lures, but there’s also a presentation with plastics that receives little fanfare that ought to find its way into your bass fishing arsenal.
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IA Fishing News
Fishing Reports
Iowa’s statewide fishing report on May 16, 2025
Iowa’s statewide fishing report on May 8, 2025
Iowa’s statewide fishing report on May 2, 2025
Iowa’s statewide fishing report on April 25, 2025
Lake Profiles
Bluebill in Iowa’s Cerro Gordo County is small body of water with a few options for anglers
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Bass, bluegill, perch to be had at Iowa’s Silver Lake in Worth County this fall
Fishing News
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Opinion
Commentary: Trump to scrap Biden-era rule that elevated conservation on public lands
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Ryan Rothstein: Out-of-state whitetail tags getting harder and harder to come by
Outdoor Insights: National parks are big business, so why are we gutting them?
Commentary: In Congress’ final days, wildlife, outdoor recreation legislation sent to president
All About Hunting

Landowner conservation assistance could take hit in Trump proposal for the NRCS
Navigating government programs has never been for the faint of heart, nor has it been something citizens have dared wade into alone, should some form of assistance be available.
That’s true of conservation programs, too. And it’s why conservation groups in general and Pheasants Forever in particular expressed concern earlier this month when President Donald Trump released a budget outline for the fiscal year (2026) that begins Oct. 1. Per a May 2 PF press release, “The so-called ‘skinny budget’ would reduce the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s budget by more than 18% from existing levels. As part of those cuts, conservation technical assistance at the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) would be slashed by $754 million.”

Avoid these common situations with puppies so they don’t become bird dog problems later
A lot of folks end up with puppies in the springtime. Most of those pups turn out just fine, but it’s almost impossible to find a dog that doesn’t have a few quirks. This goes for chihuahuas that will never set foot on non-manicured lawns, as well as pointers and flushers destined for the wilds.
Following are three common issues that can spring up, and how to avoid them.

What to know about hunting the many U.S. military bases open to the public
The federal government manages millions of acres throughout the U.S., much of it open to public hunting.
You are probably familiar with hunting opportunities on national wildlife refuges, Bureau of Land Management lands, and national forests. But did you know that many military bases also are open to public hunting? With the proper permits, you may hunt turkeys at Fort Knox, deer at West Point, and even exotic aoudad and oryx at Fort Bliss.
Gear & Gadgets
Podcasts

Episode 540 – Fishing opener recap, turkey talk with Tony Peterson, new Bass Pro store in Duluth
Managing Editor Rob Drieslein and Editor Tim Spielman recap the 2025 Minnesota

Episode 539 – Fishing opener, birdwatching, outdoors women programs, Iowa bears, new NRA president
Managing Editor Rob Drieslein and Editor Tim Spielman start the show with

Episode 538 – Turkey season, Ron Schara turkey tips, Tony Roach on fishing opener, hen mallard cam
Managing Editor Rob Drieslein and Editor Tim Spielman start the show with

Episode 537 – Turkey update, ODN Man of the Year, crappie, muskie study, remembering Scott Bestul
Managing Editor Rob Drieslein and Editor Tim Spielman talk spring wild turkey
All Iowa Articles

Outdoors scribe Scott Bestul, well-known for his whitetail expertise, dies at age 64
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Iowa’s statewide fishing report on April 18, 2025
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Patience is often the right approach in turkey hunting
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Backyard and Beyond: Bye, bye winter
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