Iowa's Best-Bet Bowhunts: Rathbun WMA (Wildlife Management Area)
"All of our areas have good deer numbers, but if I had to choose, the Rathbun WMA would be it," said Telleen. "It's large and provides the opportunity to get away from other hunters, coupled with the diversity of habitats that the areas of this size can offer."
Whether you're looking for a wallhanger or simply trying to fill the freezer, the Hawkeye State is full of public options for the whitetail bowhunter.
It's no surprise that whitetails are adaptable enough to be found anywhere in the WMA. Rathbun encompasses the reservoir of the same name, forested tracts and a lot of upland grass and brush, all of which are frequented by the healthy local herd.
Wait until the middle of the week to venture afield here rather than going on the weekend when the area is busy. Getting into the section you want to hunt before sunrise can be productive. Let the latecomers drive the deer right to you.
Rathbun is located in Appanoose, Lucas, Monroe and Wayne counties. Access is about 6 miles north of Plano on state Route 142.