Iowa Zone 2 Unit Profile // GOHUNT. The Hunting Company
Iowa Zone 2
Updated Jul 29, 2026
At a Glance
5,003Square Miles
2%Public Land
1,200 - 1,670Elevation Range
Quick Tips
GOHUNT Maps are recommended to help navigate this area
The dates leading up to the rut will see more daylight activity from bucks than other periods
Private lands leased by outfitters typically offer the best chances at big bucks
This large unit is located in the central portion of the state and lies to the north of Des Moines. A small but healthy population of deer are evenly distributed throughout the zone. Predominantly, the area is characterized by privately owned agricultural fields, interspersed with extensive stands of mature hardwood trees, and numerous creeks, rivers, reservoirs, and swamps. While densities might be lower, genetics and overall trophy potential are still excellent in this area and pieces of land that are managed for deer quality can really produce some great results. Most of this area is composed of privately owned lands, which generally hold the best odds for success, but hunters who are interested in public lands can find some excellent options here.