WI 2026 Spring Ring-Necked Pheasant Survey Drops 9.6% From 2025

 

Results
Trend analysis – In 2026, all 83 (100%) 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 2026 was 0.73 pheasants/stop (SE = 0.05) and was 9.6%
lower than results from 2025 (0.81 pheasants/stop, SE = 0.05; Table 1). However, the statewide
average number of pheasants per stop in 2026 remained 31.5% higher than the 5-year
average of 0.56 pheasants/stop from 2021–2025 (95% CI = 0.53–0.59; Figure 2).

Discussion
The average number of pheasants detected per stop in 2026 was slightly less than survey results in 2025 (Table 1); however, the year-over-year decrease was statistically insignificant (P = 0.235) since there was less than a 10% change. While annual trend observations from survey data may be inferred, caution is advised against using such an approach given the potential for large annual fluctuations in pheasant populations. Making comparisons against the 5-year average does, however, provide a better gauge of the overall pheasant population
trend in Wisconsin. In 2026, the average number of pheasants per stop (0.73 ± 0.05 [SE]) was 31.5% higher than the 5-year average from 2021–2025 (0.56 pheasants/stop; Figure 2). Survey results in the 3 years (2021–2023) immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic were lower than the 5-year average; however, survey results since 2024 have indicated a substantial increase in the number of pheasants per stop in relation to the 5-year average. Good brood-rearing conditions during the fall of 2023 and 2024, coupled with generally dry and mild
winter weather conditions throughout the 2023–2024 (Mason and Vavrus 2024) and 2024–2025 season (Mason et al. 2025), likely contributed to statewide increases in the spring pheasant abundance in 2024 and 2025. Though the 2025–2026 winter season started out cold, warmer conditions returned in February, coupled with near-normal precipitation throughout the season resulting in a close to average winter throughout much of Wisconsin (Mason et al. 2026). Outside of below normal temperatures at the start of the winter season, winter-related
stress likely had minimal impact on pheasant populations. However, record-setting rains during the month of April (Mason et al. 2026), particularly in east-central and southeast Wisconsin, not only inhibited the abilities for surveyors to conduct surveys, but also likely influenced the presence (or lack thereof) of pheasants along impacted routes within those respective regions. 

Read the full Wi DNR Report 

Nebraska Spring 2025 Pheasant Counts UP 89% August Counts Down 12%

Positive surveys and field reports point toward an optimistic outlook for Nebraska upland bird hunting seasons this fall.

“Surveys conducted this spring looked promising entering the breeding season, and with good habitat conditions, good production is expected,” said Bryan O’Connor, upland game program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Pheasant

Statewide pheasant counts during this year’s April rural mail carrier survey increased 83% compared to 2024 and saw increases in all six pheasant management regions. However, statewide during our July rural mail carrier survey we calculated a 12% drop in comparison to 2024, and mixed results were observed at the management region scale.

According to surveys, the Panhandle and Southwest pheasant management regions should support some of the higher pheasant densities this fall. The Central, Northeast, and Sandhills management regions all saw increases this year compared to 2024. The Central management region also exceeded the 5-year and 10-year averages, while the Northeast exceeded the 10-year average. Pheasant habitat within these regions are relatively isolated, but where quality cover exists, hunters should find good pheasant hunting opportunities.

Read the full Nebraska’s Upland Game Bird Hunting Outlook 

Kansas 2025 spring Pheasant crowing counts increase 49 percent

Kansas 2025 spring Pheasant crowing count RESULTS

Range-wide
The 2024 PCSI was 10.61 crows per stop across all 64 surveyed routes. Among the 57 comparable routes (sampled both years by same observer), there was a significant increase (P < 0.001) in the statewide meanfrom 2024 (49%). The PCSI decreased on 15 of the comparable routes and increased or remained the same on the remaining 42 comparable routes relative to 2024 (Table 1).
 

Flint Hills: All 7 of the established routes were completed. The regional PCSI was 3.95, indicating no significant change from 2024 (P = 0.328). Glaciated Plains: All 6 of the established routes were completed. The regional PCSI was 1.45, indicating no significant change from 2024 (P = 0.220).

Northern High Plains: All 12 established routes were completed. The regional PCSI was 18.62, indicating a significant increase from 2024 (P = 0.079). Smoky Hills: All 21 of the established routes were completed, the regional PCSI was 9.93, indicating a significant increase from 2024 (P = 0.005).

Southern High Plains: All 7 of the established survey routes were completed in this region. The regional PCSI was 19.65, indicating a significant increase from 2024 (P = 0.0). South-

Central Prairies: Of the 12 established routes 11 were completed this year. The regional PCSI was 8.52, indicating no significant change from 2024 (P = 0.201)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read the full KS Outdoors Report

Wisconsin 2025 Pheasant Survey count up 30% from 2024

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. 

Read the full study

North Dakota 2025 spring pheasant crowing count survey up 6%

“We basically have had two really easy winters, especially for North Dakota standards, with not much snow and really nice temperatures,” said RJ Gross, Department upland game management biologist.

The primary regions holding pheasants showed 31.1 crows per stop in the southwest, up from 28.8 in 2024; 21.3 crows per stop in the northwest, down from 21.5; and 18.6 crows per stop in the southeast, up from 16.2. The count in the northeast, which is not a primary region for pheasants, was 6.5 crows per stop, up from 5 last year.

Barring untimely heavy rains, cool weather or hail, Gross expects more good news as the peak of the pheasant hatch is upon us.

“Entering the nesting season, residual grass cover looked good,” Gross said. “The timely May rains caused increased growth in nesting and brood rearing cover across the state. Combined with high overwinter survival the past two years and near ideal nesting habitat conditions, things are looking good for upland birds in portions of North Dakota.”

Pheasant crowing counts are conducted each spring throughout North Dakota. Observers drive specified 20-mile routes, stopping at predetermined intervals, and counting the number of roosters heard crowing over a 2-minute period.

The number of pheasant crows heard is compared to previous years’ data, providing a trend summary.

Watch the spring pheasant crowing count webcast with R.J. Gross.

MN 2024 Rooster Pheasant Count UP 1% Statewide

 

Species Reports
Ring-necked Pheasant
The 2024 range-wide total pheasant index (52.1 birds/100 mi) was similar to 2023 (51.2 birds/100 mi; Table 3, Figure 2A). 

Range-wide indices of hens and broods increased (32% and 10%, respectively) compared to 2023, whereas the rooster index remained similar (Table 3). The number of chicks per brood (4.2) and broods per 100 hens (76.9) declined from 2023 (Table 3). The total number of pheasants, hens, roosters, and broods per 100 miles all exceeded their 10-year averages, but the index of broods per 100 hens and chicks per brood declined by 21% and 12%, respectively, from the 10-year averages (98.8 and 4.7, respectively; Table 3). All range-wide indices in 2024 were below the long-term averages (Table 3). 

The index of chicks per brood in 2024 (5.0) is 12% less than the 10-year average (4.7) and 25% less than the long-term average (5.6; Table 3). This suggests that nesting and brood-rearing in 2024 was not as successful relative to last year (2023).

Despite the relatively stable index statewide, trends in the pheasant index varied among regions. The pheasant index increased the most from 2023 in the East Central region (70%), followed by the Central (34%), South Central (8%), and West Central (6%) regions (Table 4). Indices declined in the Southwest (-29%) and Southeast (-9%) regions (Table 4). 

Pheasant indices remain well below their long-term averages in all regions but are near or above their ten-year averages except for the East Central and Southeast regions (Table 4). The Southwest (81.8 birds/100 mi) and West Central (65.9 birds/100 mi) regions had the highest indices, followed by the South Central region (58.6 birds/100 mi). These regions should provide the best hunting opportunities in the state.

Read the full report

Iowa 2024 Pheasant Survey Show Count Down 14% From 2023

Iowa’s 2024 pheasant survey shows stable results compared to recent years, with 19 birds recorded per 30-mile route, slightly down from 23 in 2023.

Despite heavy rainfall during the nesting season, Iowa’s pheasant hunting outlook remains strong, with an expected harvest of 350,000 to 400,000 roosters.

Last year’s pheasant season saw the best numbers since 2007, and if dry conditions hold, a timely crop harvest could set the stage for another successful year.

RING-NECKED PHEASANT
Statewide: This year the statewide pheasant index of 19.3 birds/route represents a significant decrease over last year’s estimate of 22.6 birds/route (Table 3). However, even with this decline the statewide pheasant population index is at (-1%) the 10-year trend (Table 4, Figure 3). 

Iowa research indicates overwinter hen
survival, brood survival, and nest success are the major factors influencing annual changes in pheasant numbers.

Statewide, the total cocks and hens counted on routes were essentially unchanged from 2023, suggesting good overwinter survival (Table 3). However, statewide data on total chicks, chicks/brood (measure of chick survival) and age ratios (chicks per adult hen – measure of overall hen success) were all statistically lower than last year, suggesting from an overall statewide perspective that nest success and brood survival were much poorer in 2024 compared to 2023 (Table 3). Hens without broods was also significant higher (18%) compared to 2023 also supporting a poorer nesting season in 2024. These trends match up well with the weather Iowa experienced over the past year. Only counts in the SW region were statistically lower than 2023, while all other regions reported numbers comparable to 2023 with counts showing upward or downward trends, but none statistically significant - meaning there was no consistent trend in the counts within these regions; some routes increased while others decreased. Counts in the EC and SE regions showed small increases, while counts in other regions showed slight downward trends. The downward trend in 7 of the 9 survey regions contributed to the overall significant statewide decline, even though most regions did not report statistically significant changes in counts.

Overall, pheasant hunters in the Hawkeye state should expect pheasant numbers to be slightly lower than in 2023 in most regions. The NW, NC, NE, WC, and C regions show the best overall densities, however hunters in the EC and SE regions might see a few more birds compared to a year ago. Five (NW, NC, NE, WC, C) of the 9 survey regions reported pheasant averages of 20+ birds per route (Table3/Figure5) and should offer good to excellent hunting. Pheasant hunting last fall in the Hawkeye state was the best seen since 2007 with over half a million (591,000) roosters harvested. Given this year’s statewide index of just under 20 birds per route, Iowa pheasant hunters should harvest approximately 350,000 to 400,000 roosters this fall (Figure 3). 

Hawkeye pheasant hunters could have another very good fall! As of early September, Iowa was still experiencing dry conditions across most of the state. If this pattern continues into October, Iowa could see an early crop harvest, with most fields harvested and plowed by the pheasant opener. Hunter success is usually very good on openers where most crops have been harvested.
 

Northern Regions: Counts in all northern regions exhibited downward trends compared to last year, but none of the declines were statistically significant – meaning generally counts decreased, but some routes increased
(Table 3, Figure 5).

Counts in all three regions are above their 10-year averages, especially the NE region. The NW region averaged 33 birds per route which was the highest density of any region in 2024, while the NE and NC regions averaged 25 and 24 birds/route respectively (Table 3). All 3 regions should offer good to excellent pheasant hunting, particularly around public and private lands with good winter habitat. Better counts in NW came from, Clay, Emmet, and Osceola counties. Butler, Floyd, Hancock, and Humboldt counties reported better numbers in the NC region, while the NE region reported the best counts in Bremer, Chickasaw, and Howard counties (Figure 6).

Central Regions: The WC region reported the second highest counts in the state with 26 birds per route in 2024, with the C region reporting 22 birds/route (Figure 5). Counts in the EC region were statistically unchanged from 2023, but showed an upward trend (Table 3). The EC region was one of the few regions that reported more hens with broods (50%) and chicks (18%) than in 2023, which led to upward trend in counts. All 3 regions should offer good to excellent hunting this fall where good quality pheasant habitat exists (Figure 6). 

The WC region reported better counts in Ida, Calhoun, Greene, and Sac counties. The Central region reported good bird numbers in Boone, Grundy, Marshall, and Webster counties, while the EC region reported better numbers in Johnson, Jones, and Muscatine counties (Figure 6).
Southern Regions: Counts in this region were highly variable with counts in the SE region showing a small upward trend, while counts in the SW region declined significantly compared to 2023 (Table 3 & Figure 5).

Counts in all three regions remain below their 10-year means (Table 4). Hunters should expect bird numbers similar (SE region) or lower (SC and SW regions) compared to 2023. Some of the better counts in 2024 came
from Henry, Louisa, Union, and Washington counties (Figure 6). 

 

See all the table and the full article