2009 Iowa Deer Classic

Many of you have already had the chance to get together and share fantastic times at your state hunting exhibitions. Deer heads hanging from makeshift walls,shed antlers lining tables to be judged, put out there for all the other huntresses and hunters to gander at...Made to wonder what the other part of the animal might have looked like. Next weekend March 6th - 8th,at Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines. It is Iowa's turn to go check out the displays, attend seminars,and find out what new products they can't possibly experience the outdoors without. There seems to be a lot of good event deals on this and that to give us the edge when it comes to getting a wild animal to put on the dinner table. Last year was my first time to attend and I found it to be exciting to see people I had seen on television, or read about while searching Google for "Deer Hunting" and all that goes with it. Byron Ferguson Seminar

Seminar Report

Local co-host of WHO radio's Sportsman's Notebook and field editor for the Iowa Sportsman magazine Ron Kuntz, moderated the weekend seminars featuring Lee and Tiffany Lakosky, at the Iowa Deer Classic on the Hunter's Specialties Stage. The Lakoskys along with Matt Morett and Ron White fielded some questions after introducing themselves. Lee, a trained Chemical Engineer and Tiffany, a flight attendant for Northwest Airlines met in Minnepolis, MN. The couple became aquainted at an archery shop where Lee was employeed. Tiffany said her family was into fishing and Lee's family enjoyed hunting. Six years ago Lee invited Tiffany on a hunt. She declined the first invitation, but on the second invitation she agreed to go to see if she would like it. Well, as things worked out she brought down a 6 point buck her first shot. From that moment until now she says that is her trophy buck because of the circumstances that surrounded its take. After that hunting trip Tiffany was hooked both on the hunting experience and on Lee. The joint decision to buy land, and move south to Iowa, to continue the deer hunting passion brought them south five years ago. They now own 3,500 acres in the Mount Pleasant area in Henry county. The floor was opened by Ron to a few questions focused in the direction of Lee. A question was asked concerning being able to determine the difference in appearance of a 6 year old buck in comparison with a 3-4 year old buck. Lee responded that he likes checking out the neck and shoulder structure. Most older bucks have a larger mass over the whole body but the neck and shoulders are much thicker under the influence of hormones in the rut, than are the younger bucks. Then he made a point that they may be the first to lose their antlers with declining hormones and stress during the later seasons. He commented that caution should be practiced in the "Doe only"season, individuals traveling alone are most likely anterless males, females usually still have fawns at their side. Great points which I observed more this past season myself. The discussion turned to Lee's love of watching the deer from the couples bedroom late at night on the infrared trail camera over the food plot closest to the house. A big supporter of all season feeding, the Lakoskys have 72 seperate plots of various sizes. When asked about filming their show they revealed how long it could take to get the right shot, to make enough good material. Hunting is a full-time job for this young couple. They hunt 100 days a year. These people eat, breathe, and sleep ethical whitetail deer management in an effort to bring healthy specimens to their hunts and for the future generations to come...

The Iowa Deer Classic Main Exhibit Hall

It has been a week ago now since the Iowa Deer Classic came to Hy-Vee Hall. The second seminar attended was again at the Hunter's Specialties Stage at 7:30 P.M., February 29th. Being the instigator of the trip, trying to find the people that hold high profile positions brought by the OutDoor Channel- I kept hunting. Didn't need the exhibit hall floorplan,just kept checking out the booths. Had a great time seeing what was available...Looking at the picture you can see success was mine. Both couples that have become household names here at Timber Life signing autographs! From left to right, Lee and Tiffany Lakosky of "Gettin' Close!" based at Mt. Pleasant, IA and Kandi and Don Kisky of "Whitetail Freaks" out of Leon, IA. Checkout my next post of the discussion that happened at the Seminar. I found it very interesting and running paralell to what has been discussed here on the 'Net. Hope you will have time to stop in again.

Iowa Deer Classic

The 10th Iowa Deer Classic, is coming up the end of this week at Hy-Vee Hall Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines, on February 29th - March 2nd,2008. It is an event that I have not yet attended and decided that this WOULD be my year. Friday night looks like the time I will capitalize on , "Ladies get in free"... They have some super attractions lined up and some seminars that are meant to enlighten those of us just starting to take trailing the Whitetail more seriously. Two well known names in the field of Whitetail archery hunting, that hail from Mt. Pleasant, in the southeast corner of this state,Lee and Tiffany Lakosky. They will be doing some seminars answering questions for novices and seasoned hunters, who would like to know about the techniques they find most advantageous. There are other folks worth mentioning as well. Another Iowan, who has made his mark in the Olympic Archery arena, Rod White. Then Byron Ferguson known for his longbow skills and Matt Morrett of World Champion Turkey calling fame. All will be adding insight into their specialties - what it takes to achieve the results they have experienced. Not to put words into their mouths, but I see it as "focus, determination, and hard work." The formula to reach goals of any kind. The weather has started off frightful again this week but there is a bright spot shining at the end. Yes, the Iowa Deer Classic exhibitors and some great attractions to help tide us over until the next seasons...which by the way have been tentatively set by the DNR for the 2008-2009 season. The final decision will come in June.