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.

Best Places to Hunt Pheasants in North Dakota and Tips To Be Successful

North Dakota is widely regarded as one of the premier destinations for pheasant hunting in the United States. With its vast expanses of grasslands, croplands, and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres, the state offers ideal habitat for ring-necked pheasants. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a beginner, North Dakota provides ample opportunities to bag these colorful game birds. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best places to hunt pheasants in North Dakota and share tips to help you have a successful hunt.

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Best Places to Hunt Pheasants in North Dakota

1. South Dakota Border Region
   The southeastern part of North Dakota, particularly near the South Dakota border, is a hotspot for pheasant hunting. Counties like Dickey, LaMoure, and McIntosh are known for their high pheasant populations. The mix of croplands, CRP fields, and wetlands creates perfect habitat for pheasants.

2. Missouri River Valley
   The Missouri River Valley, stretching through central and western North Dakota, is another excellent area for pheasant hunting. Counties like Burleigh, McLean, and Mercer offer diverse terrain, including river bottoms, grasslands, and agricultural fields, which attract and hold pheasants.

3. Devils Lake Region
   The area around Devils Lake in northeastern North Dakota is a hidden gem for pheasant hunters. The combination of wetlands, grasslands, and croplands provides excellent cover and food sources for pheasants. Ramsey and Benson counties are particularly productive.

4. Pheasant Custer National Grassland
   Located in the southwestern part of the state, this area offers vast public hunting opportunities. The grasslands provide excellent cover for pheasants, and the open terrain makes it easier to spot and flush birds.

5. Private Lands Open To Sportsmen (PLOTS)
   North Dakota’s PLOTS program provides access to thousands of acres of private land for public hunting. Many of these areas are managed specifically for wildlife, making them prime locations for pheasant hunting. Be sure to check the PLOTS guide or online maps to find accessible hunting areas.

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Tips To Be Successful

1. Scout Ahead of Time
   Scouting is key to a successful pheasant hunt. Before your trip, spend time driving or walking potential hunting areas to identify signs of pheasant activity, such as roosting sites, feeding areas, and tracks. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to scout.

2. Focus on Cover
   Pheasants thrive in areas with thick cover, such as CRP fields, cattail sloughs, and brushy draws. Focus your efforts on these types of habitats, especially during the early season when crops are still standing.

3. Hunt with a Dog
   A well-trained hunting dog can make all the difference when hunting pheasants. Breeds like Labrador Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointers, and English Setters are excellent for flushing and retrieving pheasants. A good dog can locate birds in thick cover and recover downed birds that might otherwise be lost.

4. Walk in Lines
   When hunting with a group, walk in a straight line to push pheasants toward blockers at the end of the field. This strategy helps prevent birds from running ahead or escaping to the sides. Communication and coordination are essential for a successful drive.

5. Time Your Hunt
   Pheasants are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours when they feed. Plan your hunts around these times for the best chances of success. Midday hunts can still be productive, especially in areas with heavy cover.

6. Be Patient and Persistent
   Pheasant hunting can be challenging, as these birds are known for their elusive behavior. Be prepared to walk long distances and work through thick cover. Persistence often pays off with a rewarding harvest.

7. Respect Private Property
   Always obtain permission before hunting on private land, and be respectful of landowners’ property. Building good relationships with landowners can lead to long-term hunting opportunities.

8. Dress Appropriately
   North Dakota’s weather can be unpredictable, especially during the fall hunting season. Dress in layers, wear blaze orange for safety, and invest in quality boots for walking through rough terrain.

9. Know the Regulations
   Familiarize yourself with North Dakota’s hunting regulations, including licensing requirements, bag limits, and shooting hours. Staying informed ensures a safe and legal hunting experience.

10. Practice Your Shot
    Pheasants are fast and agile flyers, making them challenging targets. Spend time at a shooting range to improve your accuracy and confidence before heading into the field.

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Conclusion

North Dakota’s diverse landscapes and abundant pheasant populations make it a top destination for hunters. By focusing on prime locations like the South Dakota border region, the Missouri River Valley, and PLOTS areas, and following proven tips like scouting, hunting with a dog, and timing your hunts, you can increase your chances of a successful outing. Remember to respect the land, follow regulations, and enjoy the experience of hunting in one of America’s last great pheasant strongholds. Happy hunting!

ND 2012 Pheasant Crowing Counts Up 10%

North Dakota’s spring pheasant crowing count survey revealed a 10 percent increase statewide compared to last year.

All four pheasant districts showed an increase compared to last year. The number of crows heard in the southeast increased by 12 percent, northwest by 8 percent, northeast by 6 percent and southwest by 4 percent.

Stan Kohn, upland game management supervisor for the State Game and Fish Department, said birds did not experience excessive mortality last winter.

“Even with the nice winter last year, I anticipated fewer adult birds to be available this spring because poor production in spring of 2009-11 led to fewer young birds entering the fall population,” Kohn said. “However, I did expect to see higher crow count numbers in the southwest because good numbers of birds were observed last winter, but it didn’t pan out in the crow count numbers.”

Even with a somewhat smaller breeding class of birds, Kohn said hens were in better shape this spring because of less winter stress. In addition, he said nesting habitat looked to be in pretty good condition in all areas of the state, and nesting and brooding weather this spring has been almost ideal.

“I expect much better upland game production this summer,” Kohn added. “Pheasant hens are finding better quality nesting and brooding cover on the uplands this spring, and with the good weather, more hens were successful with first clutches, a positive sign of a good production year.”

However, Kohn noted, the loss of CRP is going to decrease nesting and brooding cover in the future, and will negatively affect the pheasant population.

Spring crowing count data is not always a good indicator of the fall population. It does not measure population density, but provides an index of the spring rooster population based on a trend of number of crows heard. Brood surveys, which begin in mid-July and are completed by September, are a better indicator of the summer’s pheasant production and provide insight into what to expect for a fall pheasant population.

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 pheasant roosters heard crowing over a two-minute period during the stop. The number of pheasant crows heard is compared to previous years’ data, providing a trend summary.

Original ND Game and Fish Article

North Dakota Pheasant Crowing Counts Completed ND 2011

North Dakota’s spring pheasant crowing count survey revealed a 14 percent decrease statewide compared to last year, according to Stan Kohn, upland game management supervisor for the state Game and Fish Department.

The only area of the state showing an increase was the southwest, up 5 percent from 2010. The number of crows heard in the northwest was down 17 percent, while counts in the southeast were down 30 percent. In the northeast where there is less pheasant habitat, the counts fell 36 percent.

Kohn said severe winters, poor production and loss of Conservation Reserve Program acreage have contributed to the decline in crow count numbers for the third year in a row.

“Three consecutive long winters with heavy snowfall have not been conducive to winter survival,” Kohn said. “In addition, after a tough winter hens enter spring stressed and in poor condition to begin reproduction, which may affect the number of eggs laid.”

Poor production the last three springs led to fewer young birds entering the population in the fall. “Poor production is a result of cool, wet weather at the time of hatch, which causes higher than normal mortality on chicks,” Kohn said. “I anticipated the southwest to have higher crow count numbers than the other pheasant districts because good numbers of pheasants were observed in this area last winter.”
Loss of CRP has decreased nesting and brooding cover, and Kohn said this has been most noticeable in the southeast where a decrease in CRP acres the last three years probably has had a significant effect on the number of pheasants produced. “Couple that with the number of acres of small grains removed from the landscape and replaced by row crops, lower pheasant numbers are expected,” he said.

In addition, predators could also have an adverse effect on pheasants. “I don’t have specific data to show a direct effect, but we do have an increase in mammalian predators on the landscape this spring, and they do eat eggs and meat to survive,” Kohn said. “I suspect they may be affecting pheasant populations in some localized areas.”

On the positive side, Kohn said pheasant hens are finding better quality nesting and brooding cover on the uplands this spring. However, high water will likely minimize lowland nesting attempts in many areas, so a strong renesting effort will be needed for good production.

“However, on dry upland sites the native, warm-season plants are doing extremely well this spring and one would anticipate a good number of insects and eventually grasshoppers to become available with a good legume habitat component this summer,” Kohn said. “June weather so far hasn’t been the best for hatching chicks, but warm evening temperatures have been good. Recent downpours in some areas may jeopardize small chicks in localized spots, but we have not experienced large scale hail storms in the primary pheasant range yet this spring. So at present, we are in a wait-and-see process on how production turns out this spring for all our upland game birds.”

Spring crowing count data is not always a good indicator of the fall population. It does not measure population density, but provides an index of the spring rooster population based on a trend of number of crows heard. Brood surveys, which begin in mid-July and are completed by September, are a better indicator of the summer’s pheasant production and provide insight into what to expect for a fall pheasant population.

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 pheasant roosters heard crowing over a two-minute period during the stop. The number of pheasant crows heard is compared to previous years’ data, providing a trend summary.

Full ND DNR Article