Iowa Small Game

Small game hunting is alive and well, and in few parts of the country does the small game hunting tradition have such a loyal, albeit small, following as it does in Iowa. Lengthy seasons, plentiful limits, uncrowded conditions and plenty of hunter-friendly public land--what more could outdoorsmen wish for?

A friend says that twenty-five years ago the start of Iowa's squirrel season--traditionally September 1--was more popular than the whitetail and pheasant openers combined.

"Every woodlot had at least one pick-up parked there," I've been told. While the state has more squirrels than ever, that's not the way it is today--not a bad thing as Iowa squirrel hunting currently ranks as one of the most unpressured public-land activities. Hunters can expect to see fox squirrels and grey or cat squirrels. In recent years I've noticed an increase in the number of greys in the woodlots I frequent, with a corresponding upswing in the sightings of black squirrels, a color phase of the grey.

Eastern cottontails are on tap, and there's plenty to go 'round. Since moving to the Midwest in '97, I've seen but a handful of hunters targeting rabbits in the fall. Rabbits just don't get the attention they deserve--again, not a bad thing if you're looking to spend the afternoon tromping through brushpiles.

Yellow River State Forest
Located in the scenic northeast bluff country above the Mississippi, the YRSF practically screams Hunt here! Encompassing slightly more than 8,500 acres among six different units or sections, the YRSF began life with an initial purchase in 1935. The largest unit, Paint Creek (5,237 acres) sits north of its namesake waterway, roughly equidistant from Waterville and Harpers Ferry. The Yellow River Unit to the south offers an additional 1,227 acres.

Good squirreling can be found just about anywhere; rabbit hunters should peruse topo maps or inquire as to the whereabouts of reverting pastures, sumac thickets or old logging operations.

>> Jumping-Off Points: The Paint Creek Unit features some 160 designated campsites, as well as six miles of stocked trout stream. Nearby towns include Waterville, Harpers Ferry, Marquette and McGregor.

Rathbun Wildlife Management Area
The 16,000 public acres surrounding Lake Rathbun in southern Iowa also provide ample opportunity. Squirrel hunters should concentrate on the North Shore between Highway 142 and the water's edge, accessing the area via any of several spur roads. To the west, the parcels surrounding the Four Corners--the junction of the Lucas, Monroe, Wayne and Appanoose county lines--offer additional possibilities. Looking for a real adventure? Launch a skiff into the South Fork and head to the countless coves and backwaters that pockmark the shoreline.

Bunnies are scattered liberally; focus on upland-style coverts--old pastures, abandoned farmsteads, ancient orchards or those areas where upland and timber meet. The folks at the WMA headquarters located on the southern end of the causeway will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

>> Jumping-Off Points: Rathbun features almost endless camping options, including

facilities at the popular Honey Creek State Park. Nearby Centerville has everything the hunter needs. For those wishing less rustic accommodations, I recommend the Motel 60 on Highway 5 at the north end of town, and a pork tenderloin sandwich from the Double R Dairy Bar just a block south.

Information

• YELLOW RIVER STATE FOREST: 729 State Forest Rd., Harpers Ferry, IA 52146; (563) 586-2254
• RATHBUN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA: 20110 Hwy. J5T, Centerville, IA 52544; (641) 647-2464