When most Iowans are snuggled up in bathrobes, drinking hot coffee and trying to stay warm on a winter morning, Lyle Wendland heads out before sunrise on his Charles City farm.

Dressed in a heavy hunting jacket and snow boots, Wendland greets his crew of 15 sled dogs. The Alaskan hounds, full of energy even on the coldest days, start yipping and barking in excitement, trying to get ...