Highland Hideaway Hunting

Highland Hideaway Hunting runs one of Iowa's most established upland preserves, operating since 2000 on over 1,500 acres of meticulously managed hunting land near Riverside. The operation is family-owned by Ryan and Kate Giannini—Ryan's been involved since the preserve opened, and Kate works in natural resource management at the Iowa Flood Center.

Customers consistently report that Highland's pheasants and chukar fly like wild birds, not preserve stock. The birds are strong, fast flyers that force hunters to work for their shots. Multiple testimonials mention birds that "run like blazes" and "turn on the jets"—even experienced hunters get humbled. The preserve maintains varied habitat: thick milo and fox grass food plots, deep ravines, ponds with reeds, pampas grass, and brush that mimics actual wild bird cover.

"The birds are the closest to the real deal with wild birds as I have ever seen. The birds saw the video and knew how to turn on the jets and fly." — Glenn Libby, Heath, Ohio

Upland Hunting Options: - Day hunt packages (members and non-members welcome) - Multi-day hunts with lodge stay - Group hunts (small groups to large corporate outings) - Individual hunters accommodated

The preserve employs 20+ professional guides including Steve Ries, Blake Boyer, Robb Wessels, Doug Wyman, Scott Frye, Darwin Dwede, Butch Reid, and others. Many bring their own dog teams—pointers, Czech Poodle Pointers, and short-haired breeds that work the fields hard.

Hunters staying overnight get: - Full-service lodge with private rooms - Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (hot cooked meals—no cold sandwiches) - Shower facilities - Lower dining and lounge area with wood stove - Upstairs lounge with big-screen TVs - Patios - Fresh linens and towels

Many reviews highlight Ron's cooking: "smoked Iowa pork chops," home-style meals, and generous spreads. The lodge feels more like staying with friends than a commercial facility.

Beyond hunting, Highland operates a 5-stand and full sporting clays shooting complex used for: - Casual shooting - Group outings - Corporate team competitions - Fundraiser events - Youth programs (Scouting America events held here)

• •Individuals: Solo hunters, first-time pheasant hunters, experienced shooters

• •Families: Multi-generational hunts (kids, grandkids, parents), special-needs accommodations available

• •Corporate: Company outings, team building, client entertainment

• •Groups: Hunting clubs, fundraisers, competitions

Testimonials come from across the country—Arizona, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida, Kentucky, Georgia—showing the nationwide draw. Notable: one customer brought his son with special needs for a tour, and the staff arranged for him to experience retrieving pheasants with the dogs. It became an annual tradition.

The preserve extends Iowa's hunting season significantly—open during wild season (October-January 10) and well into spring and summer on managed lands. Off-season hunts offer perfect weather days without competition from wild season crowds.

Leadership: - Ryan Giannini – Owner - Kate Giannini – Co-owner

Field Staff: - Aaron Schadler – Upland/Sporting Clays - Brayden Johnston – Upland/Sporting Clays - Easton Giannini – Field Staff - Nolan Giannini – Field Staff - Notable guide: Wes Boothe (known for entertaining storytelling and top-notch pointer work)

Highland partners with local organizations: - The Aiming For a Cure Foundation - Top Gun Kennel - Sweet Point Setters - Cash Setters - Des Moines County Pheasants Forever - Iowa DNR

They actively support youth outdoor programs and sponsor community events.

• •Address: 3127 160th Street, Riverside, IA 52327
• •Phone: (319) 648-5065
• •Email: [email protected]