So a friend and i have a few preference points and want to gun hunt Iowa. Either the first shotgun in early Dec or late muzzleloader from Christmas till Jan 10. Been chatting with a outfitter from zone 7 in the very southeast corner up against zone 6. He suggest the first shotgun season even though my concern is the bucks are resting after the rut. Another friend says late season muzzleloader over the food sources if its cold is the better way to go. Curious to hear some thoughts from the guys who live there, hunt there or have hunted there multiple times. Outfitter references would be appreciated also.

thanks

I have hunted all the Iowa gun seasons at least twice over the years. I like first shotgun and late muzzleloader the best. I have killed good bucks in both seasons. My experience has been, if you get good weather and are on good property that hasn't been hunted to death, either season should produce.

But with all that said, I usually hunt late muzzleloader anymore. The season is after the holidays, so I find it more relaxing.

Either one is good but the first shotgun has the most amateurs. So if you are concerned about getting hit with a stray punkin ball stay away. The bucks are active and I have never seen any evidence they are lazy after the rut. The late muzzle loader is for the seasoned hunters who can stand the cold and are willing to spend lots of time in to be successful. You have picked a very good zone.

kwg