WI 2025 Spring Pheasant Survey
The DNR reported the 2025 average pheasant observations at 0.81 pheasants per stop, an increase from 2024 at 0.62 pheasants per stop. For the second year in a row, the count remains above the most recent five-year average (0.52 pheasants per stop).
DNR wildlife biologists use a measurement known as an abundance index to assess the state's wild pheasant population each year. On trend from past years, abundance was highest in the northwestern part of Wisconsin's pheasant range and lowest in the east-central region.
The DNR thanks the agencies and groups that helped collect data via roadside surveys. For more information regarding pheasant hunting and management, visit the DNR's Pheasant Hunting and Management webpage.
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Spring Ring-Necked Pheasant Survey 2025
By Chris Pollentier, Taylor Finger, Jes Rees Lohr, and Paul Frater
Abstract
Eighty-one of 83 spring ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) survey routes were completed in 2025. The average number of pheasants recorded during the 6-minute survey at each stop was 0.81 pheasants/stop, which was an increase over 2024 (0.62 pheasants/stop) and was above the 5-year average from 2019–2024 (0.52 pheasants/stop).
The estimated statewide abundance index was 1,115 roosters in 2025 and was higher than the 2024 abundance index of 852 roosters. Abundance
indices remained highest in the northwestern counties compared to counties in east-central and southern Wisconsin.
Results
Trend analysis – In 2025, 81 of 83 (97.6%) pheasant survey routes throughout the state were completed during the spring survey period. The average number of pheasants recorded during each 6-minute survey stop in 2025 was 0.81 pheasants/stop (SE = 0.05) and was greater than results from 2024 (0.62 pheasants/stop, SE = 0.04; Table 1).
The statewide average number of pheasants per stop in 2025 was 55% higher than the 5-year average of 0.52 pheasants/stop from 2019–2024 (95% CI = 0.49–0.55; Figure 2).
Detection rates and abundance estimates – Probability of detection varied among regions of the state, ranging from 75.4% to 92.2% (Table 2).Estimated pheasant
abundance indices along survey routes were highest in the northwest portion of the state and lowest in east-central Wisconsin (Table 2). The statewide pheasant abundance index derived from the 2025 survey was 1,115 roosters (95% CI = 1,075.5–
1,171.2) and was greater than the 2024 survey estimate of 852 roosters (95% CI = 830.8–879.7; Table 3).
Statistical modeling at the statewide scale indicated that pheasant detectability varied across regions and was most influenced by stop number and noise disturbance. Pheasants were encountered more often in Region 1 (northwest Wisconsin) compared to other regions of the state and were most likely to be detected early in the morning nearest to sunrise (i.e., during the first 5 stops of a route) and absent any noise interference (i.e., passing vehicles). At the regional scale, stop number and noise disturbance influenced detection of pheasants in Region 1. In Region 2, stop number and wind speed (i.e., pheasants were better detected when there was little to no wind) influenced pheasant detection probability. And in Region 3, stop number and sky conditions (i.e., lesser amounts of cloud cover) had the most impact on pheasant detection probability.