September 2007 Updates page 7
20 September
Land Cost
It is always interesting on this end of the telephone when folks both members seeking reasons for membership cost increases and non-members inquiring of our costs that state our prices are too high rarely are grounded in the realty of land costs. Those that are, about 99% of the MAHA membership and a good percentage of applicants, clearly support the value of their membership for what is gained.
To further support that idea, the following has been of interest lately to Iowa residents. "...The value of Iowa farmland continues to rise...on the quality of the cropland...average price for the highest quality cropland in Iowa is $4,655 dollars an acre...the increase in Iowa farmland values to higher corn and soybean prices from the increased demand from ethanol and biodiesel plants. He says there's also not a lot of farmland for sale. Since last fall, Iowa farmland prices have jumped a record 20.7 percent...."
Radio Iowa News, Survey shows farmland values go up, Tuesday, September 18, 2007, by Pat Curtis.
Turkey Hunters Lead All
NWTF Continues to Support Fight to Defend Hunting (Columbus)
The National Wild Turkey Federation has reached a landmark, having donated more than $1 million to the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and the fight to protect hunting in America. On Sept. 19, National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) CEO Rob Keck presented a $100,000 check to Bud Pidgeon, 
president and CEO of USSA. The contribution makes the NWTF one of the top donors of all time to the nation's leading sportsmen's rights advocacy organization. U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, Sept. 20, 2007.
Scouting
Here is a picture of a small buck I saw while scouting this past weekend. He was standing right where I plan to be opening weekend of bow season.
Thanks Nick, it does look like a good spot, good luck.
Success
...short sit on stand revealed 5 buck sightings along with three doe. Again the MAHA habitat was definitely the key along with your land recommendations... Have a great season! Steve
Congratulations Steve! We are sure you did some pre-season scouting and found the right spot. Thank you for sharing your picture and success.
19 September
Wetlands
While it may seem we are putting a lot of work into our waterfowl hunting everything pictured previously as well as below is the kind of routine summer work required by one or more wetlands each year to keep the flooded area huntable. This particular work while including an expansion of the floodable area is also an example how all work cannot be completed in just a couple of years.
Mike working the far west side of the levee, Henry C. Since it was so dry we decided to extend a levee from the beginning of the intake pipe to the far west bank of the lake to have 2 separate shooting pools; a north pool and a south pool. If we are forced to pump, the surface acres of water can be cut in half. Also, being able to drain the water sooner will enable us to plant a crop. This entire project was created by a beaver dam they built bigger and bigger each year.
Wildlife Observation Part 2
Wildlife is as inetresting to us as we near senior citizen status as it was when we were kids. The same dove setting on nest earlier posted this month now showing her young.
