SAND CREEK WMA
In Southern Iowa’s Sand Creek WMA, one bad shot from a muzzleloader -- even in late season -- is unlikely to ruin an entire hunt.

The deer population at Sand Creek is high enough that hunters can probably get multiple opportunities to take a deer, and it may be possible to get a second crack at the buck that slipped away the first time.

“Hunters on the Sand Creek WMA have the potential for shooting a nice buck and it’s a great area to hunt does if you’re interested in helping to reduce the deer population,” said IDNR wildlife biologist Chad Paup.

A topographic map will show the area’s natural funnels and pinch points. The habitat is thick enough for concealment and there’s plenty of room for deer to move around and still be on public land.

Sand Creek covers 3,500 acres in Decatur and Ringgold counties and is one of the area’s largest public hunting lands.

Covering a total of 3,547 acres, Sand Creek is three miles north of Grand River on county Route 15 and then a mile west on the gravel road. I. For more information contact the IDNR’s Mt. Ayr unit at (641) 464-2220.

STEPHENS SF
One of Paup’s top picks, the Woodburn unit of Stephens State Forest covers about 2,000 acres of big buck-producing woodlands where blackpowder hunters can score a quality late-season whitetail. At the very least, there should be a shot or two at a smaller buck worth bragging about.

“All of our areas, including the Stephens SF, have the potential for nice bucks,” said Paup.

The Whitebreast unit in the forest is another top spot for late-season deer with plenty of bucks and does available. Blackpowder hunters have the challenge of trying to put a pattern together in order to hunt effectively deer that have been harassed and pressured all season long.

It’s not hard for whitetails to get off the beaten path here, and that’s where muzzleloaders will have to look for them. Deep ravines, brush and thick tangles and brambles will harbor the majority of the deer -- and especially the big bucks. The interior can be reached on approximately 90 miles of recreational trails.

At 14,112 acres the largest of Iowa’s state forests, Stephens SF encompasses parts of Appanoose, Clark, Davis, Jasper, Lucas and Monroe counties. Access is from U.S. highways 34 and 65. For more information, contact the IDNR’s Mt. Ayr unit at (641) 464-2220 or the forest office at (641) 774-4559. Topographic maps are available at (319) 335-1575.