Sunday, August 31, 2014

Fewer South Dakota hunters pursuing pheasants



Trend became visible in recent years before bird populations fell off

License sales show pheasant hunting lost popularity among South Dakota hunters in recent years.
Only 57,677 South Dakotans bought licenses that could be used for hunting in 2013. That was the smallest number in 40 years or more.

Lower sales have become a trend.

In the past five seasons, South Dakotans bought less than 70,000 licenses every year except 2010.
License sales hadn’t been below 70,000 for at least 40 years.

The 57,677 sold in 2013 was less than half of the 126,000 sold in 1974.

The long decline in sales of resident licenses coincides with the gradual increase in non-resident hunters visiting South Dakota.

Sales in 1993 were 78,900 residents and 45,500 nonresidents.

From 1994 to 2008, resident sales stayed in a fairly tight band, ranging between a low of 70,573 in 1997 to a high of 84,342 in 1999.

Meanwhile, nonresident sales skyrocketed.

They jumped nearly 20,000 for the 1994 season, hitting 65,200. After a dip in 1997 to 42,808, they took off again and kept climbing.

Nonresidents outnumbered South Dakotans for the first time in 2002. That has been the case ever since.

Nonresidents reached a record of 103,231 in 2007 while South Dakotans numbered 77,879.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Iowa 2014 Pheasant Count UP 151% - Quail UP 214%

RING-NECKED PHEASANT

Statewide: This year the statewide index is 17.4 birds/route, a 151% increase from the 2013 estimate (Figure 6). This year’s statewide count is the highest seen in over 6 years dating back to 2008 (Table 4). Every region reported significant increases of 100% or more in pheasant counts, except the NE which report no change in bird numbers compared to 2013. This year’s index is 2% above the 10 year average and -57% below the long term average (Table 4, Figure 4). Iowa research indicates overwinter hen survival, brood survival, and nest success are the major factors influencing annual changes in pheasant numbers. Statewide, the total hens (+142%) and roosters (+53%) counted on routes this year were significantly higher than last year, suggesting excellent overwinter survival AND/OR that poor dew conditions during the 2013 survey lead to a poor count (Table 3 – statewide numbers, Figure 3). Statewide data on chicks (measure of nest success) and age ratios (chicks per adult hen – measure of overall hen success) showed no change compared to 2013. Both indicate the nesting season was very similar to 2013 (Table 3).

This year’s count represents the highest single year increase every recorded in the surveys 52 year history! Within the regions, increases of 200-300% were reported. These increases are beyond the reproductive capability ever measured in radioed wild hen populations. This suggests that counts in 2013 and perhaps 2012 were higher than reported because of drought conditions in August 2013 and 2012 (Figure 3). The small game harvest survey also supports this notion as hunters harvested almost 10,000 more roosters in 2013 than 2012. Dry soils lead to poor dew conditions. Reliability of the roadside counts is highly dependent on heavy dew conditions. Given this information, it is likely the statewide pheasant population was closer to 10 to 12 birds per route in 2013, not the 7 reported (Figure 6- statewide numbers). Thus part of the increase in bird numbers this year is related to birds not counted last year as well as good over winter survival across several regions in 2014. Good soil moisture and thus excellent dew condition also provided for a very good bird count in 2014.
Based on this year’s statewide index of 17.4 birds/route, Iowa pheasant hunters should harvest approximately 200,000-300,000 roosters this fall (Figure 4). Iowa currently has 2.77 M acres of potential pheasant habitat (Table 2). This level of habitat should support an 850,000 rooster harvest, ~80% of this harvest coming from CRP lands. Iowa finally has sufficient hen numbers in most regions to make a recovery from the catastrophic years of 2007 thru 2011, but needs 2 or 3 more good winters and springs back to back to fully recover numbers to what habitat levels can support (Figure 4). It will be very hard to recover Iowa pheasant numbers if significant CRP habitat losses continue in Iowa (Table 2).

Northern Regions: Counts in the NW were the highest in the state at almost 30 birds/rte , while the NE has the lowest densities at 2.7 birds/rte (Table 3, Figure 6). Looking at data in Table 3, changes in adult hen numbers rather than hen success/brood size led to the increased bird numbers in the NW and NC regions – suggesting excellent overwinter survival or last year’s survey did a poor job counting hens. The NE region had

Figure 3. U.S. Drought Monitor soil moisture conditions Iowa mid-August.the longest and snowiest winter of any region which likely explains the lack of any increase (Table 1). Poor dew conditions could also be a factor (Figure 3). Parts of NW and NC Iowa should offer very good pheasant hunting, particularly around public and private lands with good winter habitat (Figure 7). Better counts came from Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Hancock, Kossuth, Osceola, and Sioux counties.
Central Regions: Counts in the C and WC regions were 2nd and 3rd only to counts in the NW region. Similarly, changes in adult hen numbers rather than hen success/brood size led to the increasing trends in all 3 central regions. Brood size and age ratio data in all 3 regions suggest nest success and chick recruitment were similar to 2013 (Table 3), while below normal snowfall likely led to improved hen survival in the WC region. Better bird numbers were reported in Boone, Carroll, Greene, Guthrie, Hamilton, Iowa, Johnson, Poweshiek, Sac, and Webster counties (Figure 7).

Southern Regions: The southern regions also showed 100 to 200% increases in pheasant numbers although overall densities remain low compared to other regions (Figure 6). The exception was the SE region which reported about 20 birds/rte (Table 3). As seen in other regions, a significant increase in adult hens lead to the higher counts across all 3 regions in 2014 (Table 3). Some of the better counts in 2014 came from Henry, Louisa, Mahaska, Marion, Pottawattamie, and Washington counties.

BOBWHITE QUAIL


Statewide bobwhite quail numbers were up significantly (+142%) from 2013 counts (Table 3, Figure 6). Landowners and staff reported more calling males this spring, suggesting good winter survival. This year’s index is 61% above the 10 year average and -33% below the long term average (Table 4, Figure 5). Changing land-use, mainly intensified agriculture, loss of small grain agriculture, and loss of shrubby/brushy habitat are the leading factors in Iowa’s long-term quail decline. This year’s statewide count is the highest since 2004 and 1995 prior to that (Table 4). Better quail numbers were reported in SW and SC Iowa where DNR staff has focused management on providing quail habitat (Figure 7). Iowa has 10,000+ acres of CP33 remaining, a CRP practice that provides needed quail habitat around crop fields in southern Iowa www.iowadnr.gov/habitat . The better quail counts in 2014 came from Adams, Appanoose, Davis, Lucas, Ringgold, and Taylor counties.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

SD 2014 Pheasant brood survey indicates 76% higher pheasant numbers

PIERRE, S.D. -- The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) has completed the annual pheasant brood survey and the results show a 76 percent increase in the statewide pheasants-per-mile index from 2013.

Highlights:
Camberlain + 147% over 2013
Pierre +142% over 2013
See the further down for more areas listed.

From late July through mid-August, GFP surveyed 109, 30 mile-routes across the state to estimate pheasant production and calculate the pheasants-per-mile index. The survey is not a population estimate, but rather compares the number of pheasants observed on the routes and establishes trend information. Survey routes are grouped into 13 areas, based on a local city, and the index value of each local city area is then compared to index values of the previous year and the 10-year average.

“With favorable weather conditions this past winter and spring, along with the availability of quality nesting habitat across the state, we are going to see an increase in this year’s pheasant population,” stated Jeff Vonk, GFP Secretary. “Survey results show pheasant numbers rebounded the strongest in central South Dakota; especially in the Pierre, Chamberlain, Mobridge and Winner areas. Results also indicate that pheasant numbers are substantially higher than 2013 throughout much of eastern South Dakota.”

The 2014 statewide pheasants-per-mile index of 2.68 is up from 1.52 in 2013. The statewide pheasant-per-mile index is similar to 2002 when hunters harvested 1.26 million roosters.

“Habitat is at the forefront of the conversation right now and is a crucial factor in pheasant numbers,” stated Vonk. “Bird numbers are higher this year due to excellent reproduction in parts of the state where quality habitat conditions still exist, primarily on grasslands including those enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program as well as fields of cereal crops such as winter wheat. We continue to work in cooperation with the Governor’s Pheasant Habitat Workgroup, partner organizations and agencies, and landowners to provide an improved future for habitat in our state.”

Public hunting opportunities are abundant in South Dakota. Over 1 million acres of publicly owned and private land leased through GFP’s Walk-In Area Program and the James River Watershed Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program is available in the primary pheasant range of South Dakota. The 2014 public hunting atlas and a web-based interactive map of public lands and private lands leased for public hunting can be found online at http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/areas.

“The results of this survey are highly anticipated by many who have a strong interest in South Dakota’s hunting heritage. The availability of pheasants and pheasant hunting opportunities in our state this fall should serve to enhance that heritage,” concluded Vonk.


South Dakota’s traditional statewide pheasant hunting season opens on Saturday, Oct. 18, and runs through Jan. 4, 2015.


Monday, August 25, 2014

Nebraska 2014 Pheasant Hunting Outlook

The following forecast is based on spring and summer upland-game population surveys, including the April and July Rural Mail Carrier Surveys, and the Northern Bobwhite Whistle Count Survey. In addition, district biologists provided input on conditions on-the-ground that was used to refine the recommendations based on survey results. Staff input included regional weather events that could have impacted populations, general habitat conditions, and impressions of relative abundance. The descriptions below reflect the best available information regarding the relative abundances of small and upland game species among the regions of Nebraska, but cannot be used to predict hunting conditions or local population densities at any single location within a region.

RING-NECKED PHEASANTS
Pheasant populations are beginning to show some recovery from the devastating drought of 2012 and 2013. Favorable conditions during the spring should have improved production. However, field staff report that local and regional severe weather events in the spring might have negatively impacted hatching. Few broods have been observed so far. Replacement nests for those lost to early storms might yet compensate some for those lost. Results of the July Rural Mail Carrier Survey indicated that abundance was up in most regions (see reverse), but not significantly compared to 2013. Based on this survey, the Southwest and Panhandle pheasant regions will offer the best opportunities this fall. Abundance in the Southwest should be similar to 2013, but still lower than experienced prior to the drought. Habitat loss in the eastern part of the state continues to be a concern, particularly east of Highway 81. The overall consensus among field staff is that habitat conditions have improved across most of the state, providing suitable nesting and brood-rearing habitat, and that hunting opportunities will be on par with 2013 or slightly better.

NORTHERN BOBWHITE

Weather conditions that appeared to negatively affect pheasants occurred too early to negatively impact bobwhite hatch. Further, the early rains appear to have produced abundant insects in parts of the state. Results from the July Rural Mail Carrier Survey and the Bobwhite Whistle Count Survey (see reverse) were higher compared to last year statewide and across all bobwhite regions. Field staff reported seeing good numbers of adult birds in all parts of the bobwhite’s range, as well as a few broods. Although the Southeast and East Central bobwhite regions will offer the best opportunities, particularly in Johnson, Pawnee, and Richardson Counties, good opportunities are likely to be found across the bobwhite’s range in the state.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

SD Hunting Atlas GPS maps are now available - Public Hunting Land for Pheasants and other species.




South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
The 2014 South Dakota Hunting Atlas GPS maps are now available for Garmin GPS units and can be found here.
 
These maps are also available on iOS and Android devices. A hard copy of the atlas can be found at local licensing agents or at any regional GFP office.

We've used the online maps for the past two years and they work great.  You can load them onto your driving GPS system and the spots pop up as you drive near them.

If you put them on your handheld you can make sure you are staying within the boundaries of the hunting area.

PA Pheasant hunting inequities outlined



All pheasant hunting opportunities aren't created equal.

Hunters, if given the choice, prefer to shoot pheasant roosters to hens, said Bob Boyd, the Pennsylvania Game Commission's wildlife services division chief and the man in charge of its pheasant propagation program.

“That's a no brainer,” he said.

Yet, their chances to do that are better in some places than others.
The commission has a goal of raising 200,000 pheasants for stocking each year. This year, it's going to have about 220,000 to release, Boyd said.

Those birds are born at a male-to-female ratio of one-to-one. But, Boyd said, when it comes time to release them, they aren't distributed equally.

Currently, in six wildlife management units, hunters can shoot only cockbirds. Consequently, 100 percent of those stocked are roosters.

That requires moving birds around, adds expense to the stocking program, causes additional mortality and is perceived by some as being unfair, Boyd said. The commission could avoid all that by changing the rules to allow for statewide either-sex hunting, which would give hunters a 60-40 mix of roosters to hens in all units, he added.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Oregon Learn to Hunt at Upcoming Pheasant Hunting Workshops in August and September

Salem, OR -(Ammoland.com)- 

Are you new to hunting or out of practice? Let ODFW help show you how to enjoy this sport before fall hunting seasons kick off later this year.

Register for one of our upcoming August and September hunting workshops now.

“Most people are taught to hunt by parents or other family members. But if you didn’t grow up in a hunting family, it can be hard to know how to get started,” said Mark Newell, ODFW outdoor skills coordinator. “ODFW’s workshops can fill the gap. We teach people of all ages how to hunt and fish.”

“We have found that some women prefer to learn among other women, some people want to bring their families and others just want to hunt with other adults,” continued Newell. “That’s why we have three different types of workshops – Family, Women’s or Adult.”

ODFW provides all the gear and equipment needed at these workshops including bows, arrows, firearms, shells, eye and ear protection, and hunter orange clothing. Safety is emphasized and each class begins with a safety talk.

Pre-registration is required for all workshops. Visit ODFW’s license sales page to register.
For workshops that include an actual hunt, participants also need to purchase a hunting license, upland game bird validation and HIP validation before the class. (Resident prices are $29.50 for an annual hunting license, $8.50 for an upland game bird validation and HIP is free.) These items can be purchased online or at a license sales agent.


Eugene (Fern Ridge Wildlife Area), Friday, Sept. 5, Women’s Pheasant Hunting Workshop
  • Half-day session of shotgun skills training followed by afternoon pheasant hunt with a guide and hunting dog.
  • Cost: $62.00, minimum age 18.
  • Participants need hunting license, upland game bird validation and HIP.

Eugene (Fern Ridge Wildlife Area), Saturday, Sept. 6, Adult Pheasant Hunting Workshop
  • Half-day session of shotgun skills training followed by afternoon pheasant hunt with a guide and hunting dog.
  • Cost: $62.00, minimum age 18.
  • Participants need hunting license, upland game bird validation and HIP.

Portland (Sauvie Island Wildlife Area), Friday, Sept. 12, Adult Pheasant Hunting Workshop
  • Half-day session of shotgun skills training followed by afternoon pheasant hunt with a guide and hunting dog.
  • Cost: $62.00, minimum age 18.
  • Participants need hunting license, upland game bird validation and HIP.

Portland (Sauvie Island Wildlife Area), Saturday, Sept. 13, Family Pheasant Hunting Workshop
  • Half-day session of shotgun skills training followed by afternoon pheasant hunt with a guide and hunting dog.
  • Cost: $62.00/Adult, $12.00/Youth, minimum age 9.
  • Participants need hunting license, upland game bird validation and HIP.

Corvallis (EE Wilson Wildlife Area), Friday, Sept. 19, Women’s Pheasant Hunting Workshop
  • Half-day session of shotgun skills training followed by afternoon pheasant hunt with a guide and hunting dog.
  • Cost: $62.00, minimum age 18.
  • Participants need hunting license, upland game bird validation and HIP.

Corvallis (EE Wilson Wildlife Area), Friday, Sept. 26, Adult Pheasant Hunting Workshop
  • Half-day session of shotgun skills training followed by afternoon pheasant hunt with a guide and hunting dog.
  • Cost: $62.00, minimum age 18.
  • Participants need hunting license, upland game bird validation and HIP.

About the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW)
Our mission is to protect and enhance Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations.


Monday, August 11, 2014

WI Learn to Pheasant Hunt programs offered this fall



The Friends of the Poynette Game Farm will host free Learn to Hunt pheasant programs this fall at theMacKenzie Education Center in Poynette, Richard Bong State Recreation Area in Kansasville and Wern Valley Sportsman’s Club in Waukesha.

Each two-day program will focus on the basics of pheasant hunting in a fun, supportive and relaxed atmosphere, according to organizers.

The free programs include classroom instruction, dog training demonstrations, trap shooting and a mentored pheasant hunt.

Programs at MacKenzie include overnight lodging at the center's dormitories and a tour of the Poynette Game Farm.

The programs are designed to help recruit hunters, including females. 

Dates and target audiences for the MacKenzie Center pheasant programs include:

Friday, August 8, 2014

Pheasant Hunting Video - Miami Dolphin's Michael Egnew



We caught up with Egnew in Missouri where he was about to go pheasant hunting with his father-in-law and his college teammate and current Kansas City Chief Jerrell Jackson. 

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Wykoff MN man is dedicated to boosting pheasant population


By Paula Vagts

Once flourishing in the rural landscape of Minnesota, the pheasant has seen a drastic decrease in numbers within the last few decades.

But rural Wykoff resident Steve Ramaker is doing his part to bring these beautiful birds back to their prime.

Originally imported from China to the United States in 1881, the ring-necked pheasants were first introduced in Minnesota in 1916. Since that time they have become one of the state’s most popular game birds. 

In late spring Steve and his brother, Dean, headed to Harmony to pick up their 400 baby pheasants from Wildlife and Habitat of Fillmore County, a nonprofit group, which donates feed along with the birds.

Several hours later they returned with 1,100 birds! After dividing them between themselves, friends and family, Steve had 430 babies to raise.

But, he was prepared with a building tailored to keeping the young pheasants healthy and safe.
“If you take responsibility for these birds you have to be ready for them when they come,” he commented. “They say that from the time you get these birds until the next year only 5 percent of these birds will make it. But, a lot of the time these birds die because they aren’t being taken care of properly.”

What it takes is a lot of heat, at least for the first two weeks when their environment needs to be kept around 90 degrees. 

“When it’s that hot in there those little birds just flourish,” Ramaker said.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is hosting free pheasant hunts for youth in September

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is hosting free pheasant hunts for youth, ages 17 and younger, in Irrigon/Umatilla and La Grande, as well as other locations around the state, in September. People can sign up now.


ODFW and partners stock pheasants at these special hunts that give youth a head start on regular pheasant seasons, which don’t begin until October. Quail and dove may also be hunted. Volunteers from Oregon Hunters Association and other sportsman groups often bring their trained hunting dogs to guide participants. Some events also begin with a shotgun skills clinic, so participants can practice clay target shooting before hunting.

Youth hunters (age 17 and under) can now sign up for free upland bird hunts being planned at 11 locations across the state in September (Baker City, Central Point, Corvallis, Eugene, Irrigon/Umatilla, John Day, Klamath Falls, La Grande, Madras, Portland, The Dalles/Wamic).

ODFW and partners stock pheasants at these special hunts that give youth a head start on regular pheasant seasons, which don’t begin until October. Quail and dove may also be hunted. Volunteers from Oregon Hunters Association and other sportsman groups often bring their trained hunting dogs to guide participants. Some events also begin with a shotgun skills clinic, so participants can practice clay target shooting before hunting.

With the exception of a mentored youth hunt at EE Wilson Wildlife Area near Corvallis on Sept. 21, these events are only open to youth who have passed hunter education. An adult 21 years of age or older must accompany the youth to supervise but may not hunt.

“If your child made it through hunter education but is still new to the sport, this is a great way to get them started,” says James Reed, ODFW hunter education coordinator. “These events happen before regular pheasant seasons open and are a great opportunity for kids to get out hunting.”

The hunts emphasize safety. Both hunter and supervisor must wear a hunter orange hat, eye protection and a hunter orange vest—equipment provided by ODFW at the clinics to anyone who doesn’t have it. Hunters also need to check in and out of the hunt.

To register, sign up online, at a license sales agent, or at an ODFW office that sells licenses. Two locations, Fern Ridge Wildlife Area in Eugene and Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area in La Grande, don’t require advance registration.

The hunts are free, though youth hunters need a valid hunting license ($14.50) and Harvest Information Program validation (free) to hunt. Youth hunters age 14-17 also need an upland game bird validation ($8.50).

While most areas have a hunt both Saturday and Sunday, youth hunters may only sign up for one hunt. They are welcome to hunt stand by on the other day.
Hunt Areas and Dates
Baker City Area (private land) – Sept. 27 and Sept. 28
Central Point (Denman Wildlife Area) – Sept. 20 and 21
Corvallis – E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area – Sept. 20, 27 and 28
Eugene – Fern Ridge Wildlife Area – Sept. 13 and 14. No advance registration required.
Irrigon Wildlife Area (between Irrigon and Umatilla) – Sept. 20 and 21, morning and afternoon hunts.
John Day area (private land) – Sept. 13 and 14
Klamath Falls (Klamath Wildlife Area) – Sept. 13 and 14
La Grande – Ladd Marsh Wildlife Area – Sept. 20 and 21
Madras (Willow Creek area) – Sept. 20 and 21
Portland (Sauvie Island Wildlife Area ) – Sept. 20 and 21
The Dalles/Wamic (White River Wildlife Area) – Sept. 27 and 28
Directions for signing up online:



For more information about youth pheasant hunts, contact Myrna Britton, tel. (503) 947-6028, Myrna.B.Britton@state.or.us


Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Video - Conservation group Pheasants Forever and South Dakota work together to bring back hunters and birds to the state

KSFY News - Sioux Falls, SD News, Weather, Sports .



South Dakota has 1.1 million acres of public pheasant hunting land. But it's getting more difficult for hunters to find a bird. 

Last year, hunters saw an average of 1.5 pheasants for every mile of hunting land. 

That's a drastic decline from the year before, when the average was just over four birds per mile. 

There's one main factor for the drop in pheasants, the loss of a half million acres of native prairie throughout the state. 

But the conservation group Pheasants Forever just opened up a new office in Brookings to bring back the bird population, and the state has a new campaign to bring back the hunters. 

Dave Nomsen and his assistant Dakota Belle are doing their part to retrieve our state's declining pheasant population. 

"The pheasants are all about grassland. Grasslands interspersed with crop lands, wetlands and old habitats, is the key to South Dakotas pheasant hunting and it's heritage, so were here to focus in habitat improvements," Nomsen said.

Nomsen is the director of South Dakota's new regional office for the bird conservation group, Pheasants Forever. 

"The South Dakota commemorative quarter has roosters flying over Mt. Rushmore, the Ring Neck Pheasant is ingrained in the culture here, all across society in South Dakota, so it needs to maintained and preserved for future generations," Nomsen said.

South Dakota Department of Tourism, deputy secretary Wanda Goodman  said "this year, we're using a phrase called 'There's No Place Like It,' which is certainly true no matter what our numbers look like. Even in South Dakota, if our numbers are declining, our bird numbers are still far and away higher, than any of our surrounding states."

To make sure there are enough birds to hunt, Pheasants Forever wants to preserve our state's grasslands. 

"It's the single biggest reason that we have some control over, of course weather, drought, and tough winters can play a significant role but habitat is the single key to maintaining a strong pheasant population," Nomsen said.

Pheasant numbers in Michigan better than what might have been expected


steve griffin

The man who oversees Michigan’s ring-necked pheasant programs said he’s had to set aside expectations for the bird that were born of the harsh winter.

“I think pheasant numbers are good,” said Al Stewart, the DNR’s upland gamebird specialist. “I think they came through the winter better than most people anticipated.”

Including Stewart.
“When I was turkey hunting (last spring) I heard pheasants crowing. And other people have said to me, “I heard pheasants, and I haven’t heard pheasants in a long time.”

“I’m trying to curb my bias. Because of the hard winter, I didn’t expect to see many birds, but people are telling me about seeing pheasants and seeing birds, and these are people who haven’t seen them in a long time.”

Sunday, August 3, 2014

How are we shaping up for pheasants this fall in Nebraska?


Rick Windham

I was having coffee with a couple of upland bird hunters I know this week and the talk turned to what the upcoming pheasant season might look like. We feel that we’ve seen more pheasant along roads and in fields during our routine travels than we have in the past few years.

One particular rooster that I see regularly inhabits a slough and some heavy vegetation near the junction of East State Farm Road and Newberry Access. I have seen this rooster a number of times early in the morning. He has got a pretty good life going where he is.

Just to validate what we suspected, I called Drew Larson, Pheasants Forever habitat education specialist. Larson is based in North Platte so he would see the same things.

“Some of the surveys we usually refer to, like the rural mail carrier survey, are not completed yet, but everything I have seen or heard looks positive,” Larson said. “It is all directly related to the additional moisture we’ve had this year. It created better nesting habitat and better habitat to live in. I’m hoping we continue to get the moisture we need so that there is not a need to release the CRP for emergency haying as has happened during recent drought periods. That is always devastating to pheasant populations.