Explore iSportsman in the Central United States

Considered the heart of the nation, this part of the country boasts a diverse array of landscapes and environments, offering something for every type of outdoor adventurer. From the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the Great Plains where the buffalo roam, the Central United States provides a bountiful playground for both thrilling escapades and tranquil respites amidst some of the best scenery nature has available. 

Ziva, a gyr-saker falcon, assigned to the U.S. Air Force Academy falconry program, catches a training bait during a training session at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo., Oct. 11, 2017. Nine cadets make up the Academy’s falconry team, with four chosen each year to replace the graduating seniors. New cadet falconers begin training in January under upperclassman and master falconer Sam Dollar. Daily duties include maintaining equipment in the facility, cleaning the mews, feeding the falcons, checking each bird’s health, weight, and training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Keith James)

U.S. Air Force Academy, CO

Only 15 minutes from Colorado Spring, the U.S. Air Force Academy offers year-round outdoor recreation. With multiple lakes, some stocked with rainbow trout, easily accessible for the whole family. During hunting season, you can also enjoy harvesting deer, elk, and turkey.

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U.S. Army soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division mounted color guard horse ride across the parade field during the division's change of command ceremony at Fort Carson, Colo., Nov. 16, 2011.

Ft. Carson, CO

A short 20 minutes outside of Colorado Springs, you can take advantage of the diverse seasons Colorado weather has to offer. Fort Carson offers outdoor recreation activities such as year-round camping, big game hunting in the fall, and summer fishing.

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U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Two UH-60's from the 4th Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade out of Ft. Carson take off from Davis Airfield at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. on July 29, 2024. The aircraft, bound for the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site at nearby Fort Carson, carried Academy senior leadership to tour a training site where Academy cadets participate in Combat Survival Training (CST), a program that teaches sophomores medical care, food preparation, aircraft signaling, and navigation essentials for survival. (U.S. Air Force photo/Dylan Smith)

Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site, CO

Come camp at Piñon Canyon’s Hill Ranch, one of the best ways to see all Colorado has to offer. Visitors to Piñon Canyon can enjoy hunting, horseback riding, hiking, photography and birding. Stop by in September to experience pronghorn and elk archery as well.

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After several years of low tallies, bald eagles made a resurgence in the Fort Riley area during the 2018-2019 season. Compared to numbers observed last season –totaling little more than 50 – bald eagles observed Jan. 30 by wildlife biologist Mike Houck, environmental division, Directorate of Public Works, increased more than six-fold, topping 300.

Ft. Riley, KS

A favored state for sportsman, Ft. Riley is only two hours out of Kansas city, KS. Test your mettle in the pursuit of elk in the fall, become a skilled upland birder with quail, pheasant, and prairie-chicken seasons, and reel in walleye and northern pike in spring. Riley also sports multiple shooting ranges for recreational use.

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Airmen assigned to McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., and American Bass Anglers members wait for the start of a fishing tournament, June 11, 2016, at Big Hill Lake in Cherryvale, Kan. Airmen spent eight hours on the lake fishing alongside ABA members during this year’s Take an Airman Fishing event. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Erin McClellan)

McConnell AFB, KS

Just a short drive from Wichita, KS McConnell AFB offers days of fishing opportunities and accessible birding hikes all over base. Spend the day casting your line, or enjoying one of the pollinator or monarch butterfly gardens maintained by McConnell’s environmental specialists.

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The command team from 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), conduct battlefield circulation during hasty defense and vehicle drop off operations during Operation Lethal Eagle on April 19, 2024 at Fort Campbell, Ky. Operation Lethal Eagle, a 21-day rigorous training exercise, is designed to train individual and collective lethality, prototype Army initiatives, and build mastery of large-scale, long-range air assault capabilities throughout the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). While most of the exercise leverages the world class training infrastructure at Fort Campbell, some units and Soldiers will operate out of Fort Knox, Ky., and Camp Atterbury, Ind.

Ft. Campbell, KS

Only an hour out from Nashville, and under 30-minutes from  Clarksville, TN Fort Campbell embodies all that hunters love about Kansas. With deer and turkey seasons for big game hunters, and waterfowl and small game seasons for everyone else. Not a hunter? Try primitive camping, boating, or the ROV course instead.

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A bull elk stands in a snow-covered landscape at Fort Sill, Okla. Natural Resources Branch Chief Jeremiah Zurenda photographed the animal during winter 2024.

Ft. Sill, OK

Only 10 minutes away from the Apache Casino, you can take a break from modern life to enjoy some of the best outdoor opportunities available. Known for it’s elk herds, Ft. Sill also offers big game opportunities such as deer and turkey. And for the whole family, you can enjoy community garden plots and youth fishing derbies when available.

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Tinker AFB, OK

Cast your line at Tinker AFB to earn your spot as one of the many on-base fishing record holders. Tinker offers amazing rainbow trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, and crappie fishing opportunities. While outdoors, you may spot local wildlife such as prairie kingsnakes, protected Texas horned lizards, and bull-snakes as well.

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U.S. Army Veterans Gary Price and Chance Bailey pose with an Aoudad sheep after the hunt on Fort Bliss, Texas grounds, September 14, 2024. Fort Bliss offers a lottery system for both military personnel and civilians to participate in outdoor hunting activities while contributing to conservation efforts in the region. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Wheeler Brunschmid).

Ft. Bliss, TX

Enjoy the Texas heat with hiking, biking, bird watching, horseback riding, and camping at Fort Bliss. Hunters and anglers can also join the Bliss rod and gun club for access to ranges, shooting competitions, and other events. Plus, enter aoudad and oryx lotteries for big game chances on base. RV camping is also available at the on-site RV park.

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The 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment rides in formation Oct. 17, 2024. at Fort Cavazos, Texas. First Team troopers have been preserving the traditions of the U.S. cavalry, performing drills and ceremonies at events for more than 50 years. (U.S. Army photo by Scott Darling, Fort Cavazos Public Affairs)

Ft. Cavazos, TX

Just outside of Killeen, TX and two hours away from Dallas awaits the outdoor recreation opportunities available at Fort Cavazos. Cavazos offers deer, turkey, small game, and pig hunting opportunities depending on the season. Plus, anglers can access the multiple lakes, ponds, and streams to cast for channel catfish, crawfish, and more.

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Airman 1st Class Robby Agustin, 47th Operation Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment assistant, Irish Domingo, his spouse, and their dog Momo explore the nature trails at Laughlin Air Force Base, April 23, 2018. The couple enjoys the trails as an alternate to visiting the gym, as well as an opportunity for family time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Anne McCready)

Laughlin AFB, TX

Only 15 minutes outside of Del Rio, Texas and 2 1/2 hours way from San Antonio you can spend a day on the water, in the woods, and enjoying the outdoors at Laughlin AFB. Fishing at Laughlin includes chances for trout, bass, catfish, and crappie. Plus, go RV camping, rent a pontoon, or take a swim in the warm waters of Lake Amistad.

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