A bit of Colorado in Iowa

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By Chris Bates | Thursday, November 2, 2006 1:09 AM CST | () comments

AFTER getting rejected again for my Colorado elk permit, I again threw up my hands in disgust and, again said “Wait till next year.”

How many times does this have to happen to you before you get fed up with the red tape of out-of-state hunting?

Fortunately, there is a little bit of western flair right here in Iowa, located along the Cedar River outside Atalissa.

Just a short drive from the Quad-Cities, the Double D Game Ranch can make your dream of harvesting that 6 by 6 bull elk a reality.

Brothers Rick and Willie Dallege, along with Rick’s son, Derek, have converted a

300-acre family dairy farm into a hunter’s paradise.

“We really were not making it with the dairy operation, so we decided to try our hand at utilizing the property for hunting and decided on elk,” Rick Dallege said.

“We raise over 100 head of elk here on the farm, with some of the mature bulls weighing close to 1,000 pounds. Our female cow elk weigh in around 650 pounds.”

As I toured the farm, I was able to see the different stages of the animals as well as some nasty wild hogs, and if you have ever hunted a wild hog you know you were on a hunt.

Both Rick and Willie were eager to show me the rest of the farm. The first stop was the rustic cabin.

“We built the cabin for our hunters to stay in. It has heat and electric but no running water. Most hunters bring their own any way, and it’s right here where you hunt,” Willie said.

As we continued on our journey, I was absolutely stunned at the backdrop of timber, draws, and above all, the gorgeous Cedar River. As we were looking across the field, I saw three of the biggest bull elk I’ve ever seen.

“There are quite a few monsters out there right now,” Rick said.

I asked about the average time it takes to harvest a bull elk at the ranch.

“Hunts are scheduled for the entire weekend, and the hunters can come back if need be,” Rick said.

“Sometimes it can take quite a while to find the animal you’re after,” Willie added. “That’s why it’s called hunting.”

Hunters can use compound bows, crossbows, muzzleloaders or shotguns in Iowa you are not required to buy a license to harvest an elk, which is a plus.

“We offer a top-notch guide service, if requested, but included in your hunt we will quarter your elk for you and store it in our cooler,” Rick said.

“We also offer wild hog hunts, and they are great for group outings. A lot of fathers bring their sons and daughters out for those hunts.”

Chris Bates host “Hunting The Midwest” on am 1230 Fox Sports Radio Thursday’s at 6:05 he can be contacted at ChrisBates227@msn.com.