Pheasant Hunt Hector MN Dec 12th 2024

 

On a surprisingly mild December day, with temperatures hovering around 45 degrees, Tasha and I met up with our friend Tony and his two shorthair pointers for an afternoon hunt. We started by working the eastern edge of the field, with Tasha making a few tentative points but failing to flush any birds. Realizing the terrain wasn't promising, we shifted our focus to the thicker cover.

The recent freeze had transformed the wet areas, including the pond, giving us easier access to the densest section of the property. I noticed several old pheasant droppings in the cattails, but the tracks appeared days old. Undeterred, we methodically moved between thick and thin cover, hoping to flush a bird into a good pointing position.

As we approached the north side of the dense vegetation, we heard Tony fire a couple of shots. A rooster took flight, landing on the neighboring property—a near miss. We continued our hunt, thinking the warmer temperatures might drive birds into lighter cover. Our patience was partially rewarded with a promising point, but it turned out to be just a hen.

Returning to the thick cover proved more productive. We flushed six additional birds, all hens, clustered along the edges of the dense vegetation. We pondered whether we were too early—it was only 2 PM—or if the birds had already moved to feeding grounds or shifted to another part of the property.

Despite not bagging a rooster, the hunt was enjoyable. Tasha had a great time, her nose full of bird scent, and Tony's dogs were equally enthusiastic. The unseasonably warm weather and the thrill of the hunt made for a satisfying afternoon, especially considering we were only in the field for a brief 90 minutes.

Gear Used.
Danner Sharptail boots
Final Rise Vest
15+ year old Columbia hunting pants.
Garmin Alpha 300
Dogtra t&b collars

Pheasant Hunt Stewart MN November 17 2024

It had been just over a week since our nearly 7-year-old Val passed away after a hunt, and I wasn't quite ready to hunt again. However, our 12-year-old setter, Tasha, was tired of being cooped up at home. On a fairly nice day with 50-degree temperatures and a slight breeze, I loaded up Tasha and some water and headed into the field.

Tasha went on point almost immediately, but it turned out to be a hen. We worked the eastern end of the field, which bordered a picked soybean field, and had two more hen points. Turning south, Tasha locked up on a scent, and this time I flushed a nice rooster that I was able to bring down with a shot from my 12-gauge Beretta semi-auto with an improved choke and #6 shot.

We continued along the west side of the property, and about a quarter of the way, Tasha pointed again. I took two shots at the flushing rooster, but it flew off with a damaged leg. Despite a lengthy search, we were unable to locate it in the cattails and standing water. I switched to #5 shot after this incident.

As we worked around the cattails, we didn't move any more birds until we reached the west end and started working the grass again. We got three more hen points, but no additional roosters, before heading back to the truck.

 

It was a nice hunt that helped get Tasha back into the field, as she had been a bit lonely without her companion.

 

 

 

 

We hunted about 2 hours… Tasha was doing well at 1:45 but was tired from the extra 15 minutes.

Minnesota’s 2013 pheasant index down 29 percent from 2012

A long winter followed by a cold, wet spring contributed to a significant decrease in Minnesota’s pheasant count, which declined 29 percent from 2012, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

“Minnesota’s results reflect what we’re seeing in other states,” said Rachel Curtis, DNR wildlife research biologist. “South Dakota had a 64 percent decrease in its brood survey. North Dakota’s most-recent rooster crowing count is down 11 percent from last year. And Iowa reported a 19 percent decrease in its August roadside count.”

Minnesota’s 2013 pheasant index is 64 percent below the ten-year average and 72 percent below the long-term average.

Pheasant hunters still are expected to harvest about 246,000 roosters this fall. That’s down 44,000 from last year’s estimate and is less than half the number of pheasants taken during the 2005-2008 seasons when hunting was exceptionally good.

The highest pheasant counts were in the southwest region, where observers reported 51 birds per 100 miles of survey driven. Hunters should find good harvest opportunities in west-central, east-central and south-central Minnesota.

“Pheasant populations respond to habitat abundance and changes in weather,” Curtis said. “The steady downward trend in Minnesota’s pheasant population during the past several years is primarily due to habitat loss. Weather has caused minor fluctuations.”

The most important habitat for pheasants is grassland that remains undisturbed during the nesting season. Protected grasslands account for about 6 percent of the state’s pheasant range. Farmland retirement programs such as Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, Reinvest in Minnesota and Wetlands Reserve Program make up the largest portion of protected grasslands in the state.

High land rental rates and competing uses for farmland diminish the economic attractiveness of farmland conservation programs. CRP enrollment declined by 63,700 acres in Minnesota’s pheasant range over the last year and contracts for nearly 400,000 acres of statewide CRP lands are scheduled to expire during the next 3 years. If not re-enrolled, this would reduce CRP acres in Minnesota by 30 percent.

To help offset continued habitat losses caused by reductions in conservation set-aside acreage, the DNR has accelerated acquisition of wildlife management areas in the farmland region of Minnesota. The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service also acquires and protects habitat across the state. In addition, the DNR supports habitat conservation on private lands by working with a variety of partners in the Farm Bill Assistance Partnership and Working Lands Initiative.

High spring precipitation and below average temperatures hurt nesting this year. This year’s average hatch date was delayed to June 20, which is 11 days later than the 10-year average of June 9.

Although fewer broods were seen, brood size was larger than last year and comparable to the long-term average. Actual reproduction rates may be higher than the survey suggests. Hens that were successful nesting later in the season tend to be underrepresented in roadside data and it is possible that hens were still nesting or in heavier cover with young chicks during the survey period. 

The pheasant population estimate is part of the DNR’s annual August roadside wildlife survey, which began in 1955. DNR conservation officers and wildlife managers in the farmland region of Minnesota conduct the survey during the first half of August. This year’s survey consisted of 171 routes, each 25 miles long, with 152 routes located in the ring-necked pheasant range.

Observers drive each route in early morning and record the number and species of wildlife they see. The data provide an index of relative abundance and are used to monitor annual changes and long-term population trends of pheasants, gray (Hungarian) partridge, cottontail rabbits, white-tailed jackrabbits, mourning doves and other wildlife. 

The gray partridge index also decreased from last year and remained below the 10-year average. The cottontail rabbit index increased from last year but stayed below the 10-year and long-term average. The jackrabbit index was 87 percent below the long-term average. Finally, the mourning dove index was 20 percent below last year and lower than the 10-year and long-term averages.

Original MN DNR article

2013 Iowa August Roadside Survey - Pheasant, Quail, Rabbit, Gray Partridge

2013 Iowa August Roadside Survey - Pheasant, Quail, Rabbit, Gray Partridge

2013 South Dakota Pheasant Outlook Down 60%

Months of persistent drought in 2012, a cold, wet spring in 2013 and a reduction in habitat have impacted pheasant brood counts, according to a report released today by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department. But officials note that South Dakota will still offer the best pheasant hunting experience in the country, with more than 1.1 million acres of public land available for pursuing birds within the state's main pheasant range.

The department's annual brood count surveys the number of pheasants per mile as a means to track pheasant numbers over time. The actual population size is estimated after the pheasant hunting season ends, with additional information gathered from hunter surveys and a winter rooster-to-hen ratio survey.
The 2013 report indicates an index of 1.52 pheasants per mile, down from 4.19 pheasants per mile last year.

"The annual brood count provides us with a year-over-year analysis tool," said Travis Runia, GFP's lead pheasant biologist. "Our numbers may be down from last year, but hunters will still be able to find birds."

GFP conducts the brood route survey each year on select stretches of roads around the state. All pheasants are counted along each route, with particular attention to the number of broods.
"Much of the northern Great Plains experienced the same weather and habitat factors that impacted our brood counts," Runia said.

Runia noted that lower brood counts in 1992 and 1997 still resulted in almost one million pheasants harvested in South Dakota each year. Since 1992, the state has added 350,000 acres of public access within the main pheasant range, expanding hunting opportunities.


The 2013 pheasant season opens Oct. 19 and runs through Jan. 5, 2014. The Youth Pheasant season will run from Oct. 5 - 9 and the Resident Only season Oct. 12 - 14.

Read the original SD GFP article

Pheasants Forever Taking “National Pheasant Fest” Event to Milwaukee in 2014

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever will take its National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic event to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the first time, to run February 14-16, 2014 at the Wisconsin Center. The largest show in the country for upland hunters, bird dog owners and wildlife habitat conservationists, the event drew 28,855 people last February in Minneapolis.

National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic returns to Wisconsin for the first time since 2009, when hunters and conservationists visited the 3-day show at Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.

“Pheasants Forever has a strong presence in Wisconsin and the state has a rich conservation tradition, which is why we’re excited to bring our signature event to Milwaukee,” said Howard Vincent, president & CEO of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. Vincent adds that Milwaukee is conveniently located near other strong Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever states – Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana and Michigan – which will allow members from across the region to enjoy the large annual celebration.

Wisconsin is home to 33 Pheasants Forever chapters. In addition to the 790,000 licensed hunters in Wisconsin, the state is second only to Minnesota in sending nonresident upland hunters to the Dakotas – the top two pheasant hunting states – and both South Dakota and North Dakota will be well-represented with exhibitors at the show.

“Milwaukee and Wisconsin are thrilled to host the 2014 National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic. As the largest city in a state with a history of upland hunting and wildlife habitat conservation, Milwaukee is the ideal setting for this prestigious family-friendly national event. Among the city’s major attractions, the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum is sure to be another draw for visiting attendees,” noted Paul Upchurch, president & CEO of VISIT Milwaukee.

National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic is also the country’s largest event for upland hunters, sport dog owners and wildlife habitat conservationists, combining a national outdoor tradeshow, wildlife habitat seminar series, and family event complete with puppies, tractors, shotguns, and art. The event is open to the public.

If you’re interested in exhibiting at Pheasants Forever’s National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic 2014, contact Brad Heidel, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever director of corporate sales, at (651) 209-4956 and/or email Brad. For media inquiries, please contact Rehan Nana, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever public relations specialist, at (651) 209-4973 and/or email Rehan.

Pheasants Forever, including its quail conservation division, Quail Forever, is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 135,000 members and 740 local chapters across the United States and Canada. Chapters are empowered to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds are spent, the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure.

2013 Pheasant Nesting Habitat Conditions

Summaries

Colorado
Lasting effects from the drought have carried into this pheasant nesting season as Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) nesting cover was reduced by last summer’s haying and grazing emergency.  And winter wheat, the state’s most important cover for nesting pheasants, was slow to develop this spring due to the cool spring temperatures.

Iowa
Iowa pheasants are struggling to recover from a modern low population point, but on top of continued grassland habitat loss, the weather isn’t doing them any favors.

“This year, unfortunately, we are predicting a decline in bird numbers,” says Todd Bogenschutz, an Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Upland Wildlife Biologist. “Our pheasant population typically shows increases following mild winters and dry, warm springs.  This past winter, while starting mild, ended with a vengeance.”

Kansas
While other parts of pheasant country are recovering from the drought of 2012, Kansas isn’t one of them. In fact, as of mid-summer, all of western Kanas remained in an extreme-to-exceptional drought.

The drought is taking its toll on the pheasant population, as indicated by hunter harvest numbers. Last year, pheasant hunters bagged about 230,000 birds in the state, the lowest harvest in nearly six decades. And this year’s spring breeding population is extremely low. Spring crow counts were down 37 percent region-wide, according to Jim Pitman, Small Game Coordinator with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

Minnesota
Late-season snowstorms, a delayed green-up, and wet conditions during spring and summer definitely impacted the pheasant nesting season in Minnesota. “Many hens likely delayed nest initiation due to weather and habitat conditions or had to re-nest due to failed first attempts,” says Nicole Davros, Upland Game Project Leader with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, “The peak hatch normally occurs during June, but recent heavy rains may have decreased survival rates of chicks that did hatch during this timeframe.”

Montana
In northeast Montana, spring crow counts were 15 percent above the 10-year average, these numbers certainly boosted by moderate winter conditions that resulted in low overwinter mortality.

Nebraska
Coming off an overall mild winter and a spring that helped to replenish some nesting cover following last year’s drought, Jeff Lusk, Jeff Lusk, Upland Game Program Manager, Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, remains optimistic that nesting production will be much improved this year.


That is, of course, where quality habitat remains, as more than 108,000 CRP acres in Nebraska were not re-enrolled in the program in the last year. And Lusk reports there were some regional severe winter weather events that could have adversely affected populations, particularly in areas hit hardest by the drought last summer.

North Dakota
Though North Dakota’s s spring crow count was down 11 percent statewide and 12 percent within its core pheasant range, Stan Kohn, Upland Game Management Supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, says late spring/early summer habitat conditions were excellent, leading him to predict a fair nesting outlook in the northern half of the state and a fair-to-good nesting outlook in the southern half.

South Dakota
The most telling statistic to come out of South Dakota this year isn’t weather related. “For the first time in two decades, less than 1 million acres of CRP grasslands will be available to nesting pheasants,” says Travis Runia, “The premier nesting cover has helped sustain high pheasant numbers since CRP was established in 1985.”

South Dakota has become ground-zero for accelerated upland habitat loss and Runia points out the conversion of non-CRP grassland (including native grassland) to cropland has exceeded even the CRP conversion rate, further reducing available nesting cover.


On top of this habitat double whammy, South Dakota experienced a very cold and wet spring – including April snowstorms – which is not favorable for pheasant production. “Birds that had initiated nests in late April probably abandoned their nest, and re-nested when spring-like weather finally arrived in May,” Runia said, “The delay in nesting chronology can limit the time pheasants have to re-nest if their first nests are unsuccessful.” Wet conditions and widespread severe thunderstorms extended into June, the period of peak pheasant hatch.

Read the full reports and the complete Pheasant Blog article

ND Pheasant Crowing Counts Down Statewide 2013

North Dakota’s 2013 pheasant crowing count survey indicates that rooster numbers were down about 11 percent statewide compared to last year, heading into the spring breeding season.

All four pheasant districts had lower counts than last year. 
The number of crows heard in the northeast declined by 18
percent, southeast and southwest by 11 percent, and the 
northwest by nearly 2 percent.

Stan Kohn, upland game management supervisor for the 
State Game and Fish Department, said only the southwest 
was initially spared a harsh winter, but a spring snowstorm 
in April buried much of the area in more than 
12 inches of snow.

“Had it not been for the long winter in most of the 
state and the April storm, I would have expected a higher 
crow count statewide this spring,” Kohn said. “But I 
think we did lose some birds during late spring, 
which reduced our 2013 spring breeding population 
slightly from 2012.”

The late spring snowstorms and cooler than normal 
April delayed breeding and nesting for all upland 
game birds, Kohn said, with early nesting hens facing 
rainy conditions, and probably some flooded nests. 
“On the positive side, this occurred early enough in 
the nesting season that most hens should have renested,” 
he added. “In addition, the wet spring seemed to 
jump start grass and forb growth in pastures, helping 
later nesting pheasants with improved quality of 
nesting habitat. Unless we experience some early s
ummer weather problems, I still expect much better 
upland game production this summer from all our species.” 

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

Spring crowing count data is not 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 post

Ten Pheasant Shotgun Patterning Questions Answered

This is the year to finally pattern your pheasant hunting shotgun. Mike Holm and Erik Carlson of Federal Premium Ammunition bring their expertise and cut through the technical world of patterning to help you master the basics and get ready for wingshooting.

1. Most pheasant hunters never pattern their shotguns. Why should they start?

“All hunters should pattern their shotguns to see what their point of impact looks like at different distances,” says Mike Holm, Federal Premium Product Manager, “Not all shotguns shoot dead center. Knowing your pattern can increase your ability to hit game in the field.  Patterning also lets you see the pattern density and can help you choose the right choke constriction.”

2. At what range(s) should you pattern your pheasant hunting shotgun?

Holm says it’s good to pattern your shotgun at both 20 yards and 40 yards. “This gives you a representation of what your pattern will be for an up-close flushing bird and a more distant flyer.”

3. Should you pattern for both early season and late season pheasant hunting?

“By patterning your shotgun at 20 yards and 40 yards you are preparing yourself for both early and late season hunting.  As we all know, not all early season birds are close,” Holm says.

4. How many different pheasant loads should you plan on patterning?

The most important thing, Holm says, is to pattern the load you plan to take to the field and know what it does. But patterning different loads can be valuable. “It can be interesting to pattern two different loads to see the performance differences. You might even find performance differences that fit different hunting conditions,” Holm says.

5. What choke is a good starting point to begin patterning?

“When patterning Prairie Storm® with the FLIGHTCONTROL® wad, start with Improved Cylinder (IC) chokes, because they generally provide a great combination for up close and at distance,” Holm says, “If you are using a load with a standard wad system, try both IC and Mod (Modified) chokes.”

Q&A's 6-10 and the complete PheasantBlog post

Pheasants Forever's 30th Anniversary - Video

Pheasants Forever is celebrating 30 years of its wildlife habitat conservation mission. The most efficient national conservation organization has helped conserve more than 8.5 million acres of habitat for pheasants, quail and other wildlife in the U.S. and Canada.

Webster SD Pheasant Hunt Day One

Tony and Quetico with their best ever pheaasant day

Thursday Nov 1 2012

My buddy Tony and I set out from the Twin Cities for Webster SD.  The reason that we were headed there is that when I looked at the SD map of public places to hunt it looked like it had a lot of options.  We have never hunted this area so it is just a shot in the dark.

We got to town around 2 pm, checked in to the hotel, got my license, and started out to find a place to hunt.  The SD Game and Fish people really seem to have their act together as far as encouraging people to hunt in their state.  I was able to download a set of maps to my Garmin driving GPS  that showed all the public hunting areas as well as an app for you smart phone that dies the same.  We just started driving to a few spots looking for something with good cover.  About 12 miles from town we started at our first spot.

The dogs started to get birdy relatively soon after our start.  They were narrowing in on one area when a rooster decided to try to make its escape.  Tony brought it down with one shot from his 16ga.  The dogs started to work in a manner that suggested that birds were running ahead of us.  We followed them to the thickest cover on the unit.  As we entered the cattails a rooster broke wild from the other side.  We weren’t able to get of a decent shot but Tina and I decided to head in the same direction that the bird flew towards while Tony and Quetico worked the edge of the cattails.  Tina and I hit the fence on the far side and started to work along the harvested cornfield.  As we got about half way down the line Tina locked up hard and I moved in front of her.  About 20 yards up the line I put up a hen.  A few minutes later as I came over a small rise I was able to watch Tony work to the front of Quetico and was able to bring down his second rooster.

We made our way back to the truck without any more contact with birds.  We loaded up and followed the Garmin from spot to spot looking for another area with good looking cover.  After about 10 more miles we hit a group of public hunting areas that covered a fair amount of area.  As we got out of the truck a rooster flushed and flew across the road.  Tony and I split up and I worked another fence line while he worked the grass.  Tina started to point and relocate along the fence and was looking pretty serious about the likelihood of a bird being in the area.  Before we could find a bird though a shot rang out from Tony’s direction and he dropped his third bird.  Shortly afterwards Tina finally pinned our runner and put up another hen.  We made our way around the far side of the field and were on our way back when Tina had a nice solid point on a thick clump of grass and I was able to put up a rooster and took it with an easy shot.  It was a first year bird but I was happy we were able to get one for the game bag, I was getting paranoid that I was about to get skunked while Tony filled out.  After a short water break at the truck we made it across the road to another section of CREP land.

This field had a harvested cornfield along one side that we were working.  Tina and I swung left while Tony and Quetico swung right.  As they made it across a small section of cattails a rooster got up and Tony again dropped it.  Quetico was on it in a flash and make a quick retrieve of it.  After putting the bird in his game vest he took a few more steps and a hen came up followed by another rooster that escaped to a thick area of cattails.  We continued to work our way back to the truck and each put up another hen.

We ended up hunting about 3 hrs on public land and were able to take a total of five birds.  We are both hoping that this is the pattern for the rest of our trip.

Tina and I with our Webster SD Pheasant

Pheasants Forever's 2012 Hunting Forecasts

Overall Outlook:

While the drought of 2012 will make its impact felt on pheasant populations in the central Great Plains (portions of Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska), pheasant hunters in the Upper Midwest (the Dakotas, Iowa, Minnesota) can expect bird numbers to be much improved from last year. Unfortunately, upland hunters will note a rapidly changing landscape in these states as habitat is converted to row crops. With commodity prices at or near all-time highs, and federal crop insurance coverage buffering the risk of planting marginal lands, grasslands formerly enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and previously unbroken native prairie are being plowed up at an astounding rate. It should give pheasant hunters pause, and more reason than ever to get involved in the work of upland conservation.
Many CRP lands and even some public lands were opened to emergency haying and grazing to help agricultural producers through the drought of 2012. Thus, hunters are urged to check ahead due to the effects of this dry season and land use changes. There’s some good hunting out there, it’s just going to take a little more work to find it.
Remember to always consult official state hunting regulations for rules and season dates, and please carry Pheasants Forever's code of conduct with you into the field this fall:

As a member of Pheasants Forever, I believe in conserving wildlife and protecting the environment. I promise to leave the outdoors a little better than I found it. I will hunt safely and treat hunting on public and private land as a privilege. I will always ask permission before hunting private land. I will obey all game laws and insist my companions do as well.

Good luck pheasant hunters!

• 

  2012 California Forecast

  Work Begins on Pheasant Status Report
  
• 

  2012 Colorado Forecast

  Drought Drives Numbers Down
  
• 

  2012 Idaho Forecast

  Autumn Looks Promising
  
• 

  2012 Illinois Forecast

  Forecast will be updated soon.
  
• 

  2012 Indiana Forecast

  Benton County Sees a Big Bump
  
• 

  2012 Iowa Forecast

  Numbers Finally Headed Back Up
  
• 

  2012 Kansas Forecast

  Drought Deadly for Kansas Pheasant Crop
  
• 

  2012 Michigan Forecast

  Replenishing Numbers, Renewing Interest
  
• 

  2012 Minnesota Forecast

  Ringnecks Rebound, CRP Losses Loom
  
• 

  2012 Missouri Forecast

  Forecast will be updated soon.
  
• 

  2012 Montana Forecast

  Back to Average, Maybe More
  
• 

  2012 Nebraska Forecast

  Slight Dip, Still Top Destination
  
• 

  2012 New York Forecast

  New York – Working on Habitat in the Lake Plains
  
• 

  2012 North Dakota Forecast

  Numbers Rise but Habitat Dives
  
• 

  2012 Oklahoma Forecast

  Ringnecks Rebound Following Drought
  
• 

  2012 Ohio Forecast

  Forecast will be updated soon.
  
• 

  2012 Oregon Forecast

  Pheasant Production Looking Good
  
• 

  2012 Pennsylvania Forecast

  Pheasant Recovery Projects Continue
  
• 

  2012 South Dakota Forecast

  Pheasant Numbers Increase 18 Percent
  
• 

  2012 Texas Forecast

  Forecast will be updated soon.
  
• 

  2012 Utah Forecast

  Fair Prospects for Pheasants
  
• 

  2012 Washington Forecast

  Forecast will be updated soon.
  
• 

  2012 Wisconsin Forecast

  Range-Wide Improvement
  
• 

  2012 Wyoming Forecast

  Big Horn Basin for Birds
  

SD 2012 Pheasant Count Up from 2011

PIERRE, S.D. – Annual August pheasant brood counts in South Dakota indicate that the statewide pheasant population is up from last year, and that should equate to an excellent pheasant season this fall.

Results of the survey show that pheasant numbers grew in many areas of the state, due in large part to a mild winter and ideal weather during the nesting and brood-rearing season.

The pheasants-per-mile index for 2012 is 4.21, up 18 percent from the 3.57 index of 2011.

"The mild winter of 2011-12 was the boost we needed for pheasant survival and reproductive potential," explained Jeff Vonk, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.  "It goes to show that, with the combination of good habitat and the right weather conditions, pheasants can be quite prolific.”

Much of the improvement in the pheasant counts came from areas of the state that had a good habitat base.

"Pheasant hunting will be good across most of the state, with the traditional pheasant range once again providing excellent hunting opportunities,” Vonk said.  “More than 1.5 million pheasants were harvested last year, and our counts indicate that this year will be another exceptional year for pheasant hunting in South Dakota.”

Gov. Dennis Daugaard said the pheasant survey is good news for the state.

“Pheasant hunting is important to the economic well-being of South Dakota, and it also helps support the strong outdoor heritage of our state,” the Governor said.

The 2012 Pheasant Brood Survey Report, complete with comparisons for the different local areas, can be found online at http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/small-game/pheasant-outlook.aspx

MN Pheasant harvest low in 2011, grouse and ducks steady

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has completed the 2011 Small Game Hunter Survey. Results are available online.

DNR annually surveys small game license buyers to estimate both hunter numbers and harvest trends. For the 2011 hunting season, DNR mailed 6,500 surveys to small game license buyers and 58 percent returned usable questionnaires.

Pheasant
As expected, pheasant hunters and pheasant harvest declined in 2011 after two moderately severe winters and a cold, wet spring. Overall, the estimated number of pheasant hunters (77,000) decreased 13 percent from 2010. The drop corresponded with a slight decrease in pheasant stamp sales.
An estimated 204,000 pheasants were harvested in 2011, a 43 percent drop from 2010. The number of birds harvested per hunter also fell from 4 to 2.6. Both hunter numbers and harvest were at their lowest recorded level in recent years.

Ducks
Regulation changes, including an earlier opening date, likely are factors that contributed to the number of duck hunters (83,500) increasing 14 percent in 2010 and the year’s harvest increasing 18 percent. The increase in hunters corresponded with an increase in duck stamp sales.
Hunters harvested 730,000 ducks in 2010 but the results for individual hunters increased only slightly, from 8.5 birds per hunter in 2010 to 8.8 birds per hunter in 2011.

Ruffed grouse
Ruffed grouse hunter numbers (93,800) remained unchanged from 2010, and ruffed grouse remained Minnesota’s most popular small game species in 2011. The 2011 harvest of 401,000 ruffed grouse was down slightly from the 10-year peak of 465,000 in 2010 but was still one of the three highest annual harvests of the past ten years.

Grouse populations tend to fluctuate on a 10-year cycle. Minnesota’s grouse population already has begun its cyclical population decline. Harvest results continue to show that even with a declining grouse population, Minnesota has better grouse hunting than almost any other state.

Full DNR article and 2012 season dates

MN 2012 Initial Pheasant Reports suggest pheasant count may increase slightly from 2011

By Tim Spielman


Minn. — Based on comments and anecdotal reports from the recent DNR roadside counts, it appears officials are optimistic – but probably not overly so – regarding the upcoming fall hunt.

Wendy Krueger, DNR area wildlife manager in Slayton, said pheasant counts this year were better than last year, but not as good as 2010.

During the past few months, the birds have been aided by a mild winter, and, for the most part, a dry spring – over-winter survival was good, as was production this year.

Following a second consecutive harsh winter, last year’s count was down 82 percent from 2010, Krueger said.

“It’s hard to get any lower than that, and it didn’t (in 2012),” she said.

Tabor Hoek, private lands specialist for the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, reports the same.

“Anecdotally, I hear things have improved from last year,” he said.
The state’s conservation officers, some of whom participate in the roadside counts, also have weighed in on the topic, both good and bad.

Read the reports from multiple Conservation Officers

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

IA Pheasant survey could be hampered by the weather

 By Pat Curtis

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will begin conducting a roadside survey this week to determine what the pheasant population looks like across the state. D.N.R. wildlife biologist Todd Bogenschutz is predicting a significant increase in pheasant numbers for the first time in six years.

But, because of the drought, Bogenschutz is warning the roadside survey may not accurately reflect the bird population. “To get a really good count of the birds, we’re dependent on good dew conditions. For good dew, you need moisture in the soil and right now, we don’t have any,” Bogenschutz said.

“We don’t get very good counts of birds if we don’t have good dew.” Last week, the D.N.R. reported hunters in Iowa shot a record low number of pheasants last year. Around 109,000 pheasants were harvested in 2011 — the fewest since record keeping began in 1962.

Bogenschutz is expecting hunters will see more pheasants this year because of the recent mild winter. “We need about two more years just like this and we’ll probably get back to bird numbers that people expect in Iowa, but it’s going take more than just one year,” Bogenschutz said.

Iowa’s pheasant population dropped to record low territory in 2011 following five winters with above average snowfall and five wetter than normal springs. The D.N.R.’s annual roadside survey is scheduled for August 1-15. The 2012 pheasant hunting season will open October 27.

Complete RadioIowa article

ND 2011 Pheasant Season Summarized - Harvest UP

More hunting opportunities meant more pheasants taken during the 2011 season, as last fall’s pheasant harvest was 683,000, up from 552,000 in 2010.

Aaron Robinson, upland bird biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, said the overall landscape probably didn’t have more birds, but Mother Nature allowed for an increase in harvest due to mild weather conditions and minimal snow cover in November, December and early January.

“This is a prime example of how the harvest doesn’t necessarily reflect the overall population,” Robinson said. “We actually had lower production in 2011 than in 2010, but hunter effort made up the difference due to last winter’s exceptionally mild weather conditions.”
Statistics actually revealed the number of hunters declined 10 percent to 82,700. The number of resident hunters was down 5 percent to 58,200, while nonresident pheasant hunter numbers decreased 20 percent to 24,500.

“However, the determining factor is many hunters were able to enjoy good hunting conditions with mild weather through the last weekend of the season,” Robinson said.
Birds bagged per hunter increased from 6.0 to 8.3. Each hunter spent an average of six days afield.
Counties with the highest percentage of pheasants taken by resident hunters were Hettinger, 9.2; Burleigh, 6.4; Emmons, 6.0; McLean, 5.4; and Adams, 5.3.

Top counties for nonresident hunters were Hettinger, 24.9 percent; Bowman, 7.6; Emmons, 5.6; McIntosh, 5.2; and Divide, 4.5.

Annual pheasant season statistics are determined by a mail survey of resident and nonresident hunters.

Original ND Game and Fish Article

Iowa 2011 Pheasant Harvest Tops 100,000 Roosters - LOWEST since 1962

The 2011 Iowa pheasant harvest reflected what the roadside counts had predicted, that the population was down after five winters with above average snowfall followed by five wetter than normal springs.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources estimates that 109,000 roosters were harvested during the 2011 hunting season, the lowest since standardized estimates began in 1962.  Harvest was highest in the northwest region, followed by central and southwest.

The harvest estimate is based on a random survey of hunters. The survey is used by the DNR to estimate the number of hunters pursuing small game, hunter effort by species and harvest.

The survey collects data on quail, cottontail rabbit, squirrel, partridge, and mourning dove, in addition to pheasants.

According to the survey, an estimated 57,285 mourning doves were harvested during Iowa’s inaugural mourning dove hunting season.

Original Iowa DNR Article 

The 25 Best Pheasant Hunting Towns in America

The 25 Best Pheasant Hunting Towns in America

I always enjoy reading Outdoor Life’s annual list of America’s top hunting & fishing towns.  Following is my list of America’s top pheasant towns factoring in area bird counts, annual harvest, acres of accessible public hunting land, local Pheasants Forever chapter activities and available lodging for the traveling bird hunter.  It’s by no means scientific, but a fun exercise in day dreaming about next fall. Hopefully you’re lucky enough to live in one of these pheasant country towns, and if not, have the chance to visit often.
These dots on the map are great starting points for autumn pheasant hunting adventures, but this is a conversation starter. If you live in or know of a pheasant hunting town that has yet to be represented, please share it with us in the comments section below!

1. Chamberlain, S.D.  For jaw-dropping pheasant numbers, you won’t beat this Missouri River town in south central South Dakota. Part of the famed “Golden Triangle” region (the storied pheasant hunting area from Gregory, Winner to Chamberlain), the pheasant brood counts around Chamberlain have averaged 15.7 birds per mile during the last decade, more than double the statewide average.

2. Bismarck, N.D. Maybe calling Bismarck a “town” is a stretch, but it may be the only population center of 60,000 or more with world-class pheasant hunting just minutes outside of town.

3. McCook, Neb.  This southwest Nebraska town boasts a fair amount of lodging. Drive out of town in any direction, and you’ll find plenty of CRP-MAP (Conservation Reserve Program – Managed Access Program) areas. Through the program, the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, in partnership with PF, pays private landowners to improve their CRP acres for wildlife and open them up for public hunting. Don’t be surprised to bump a covey of quail either. Note: CRP-MAP lands are being restructured and transitioned into Nebraska’s Open Fields and Waters Program.

4. Oakley, Kans.  Conveniently located on Interstate 70, which bisects the Sunflower State, getting to Oakley is only the beginning: more than 350,000 acres of publicly accessibly hunting lands, and pheasants, quail and prairie chickens in northwest Kansas awaits.

5. Lewistown, Mont. This agriculture community is located in the geographic center of Montana, where pheasants can be found with buttes and mountain ranges as beautiful backdrops. Travel northwest to hunt the Pheasants Forever Coffee Creek BLOCK Management Area, one of the largest habitat projects in Pheasants Forever’s history.


6. Aberdeen, S.D.  Even in pheasant-filled South Dakota, the Aberdeen area in the northeast part of the state stands out as one of the most appealing destinations for public land and outfit-based pheasant hunters. The surrounding area has more than 200,000 acres of public hunting land available. Hunters in Aberdeen’s Brown County averaged 8.5 birds each during the course of the last hunting season.

7. Mott, N.D. Mott bills itself as a pheasant hunting destination, and with good reason. Contrary to rumor, there’s enough Private Land Open to Sportsmen (PLOTS) areas in the area to make a shoe-string budget hunt an option.

8. Sterling, Colo. Eastern Colorado has its own version of a “Golden Triangle” – the state’s best pheasant range from Sterling to Holyoke to Burlington. With proximity to the prime hunting grounds of southwest Nebraska and western Kansas, the traveling bird hunter that’s willing can plan a triple threat trip.

9. Okoboji, Iowa.  This tourist destination is a great place to base a freelance pheasant hunt. The 4-county block of Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, and Palo Alto Counties offer more than 40,000 acres of pheasant habitat open to public hunting.

10. Marshall, Minn. Marshall is the ideal jumping off point to hunt four rectangular shaped counties in southwest Minnesota – Lyon, Lincoln, Murray and Pipestone Counties – which offer up some of the best rooster action Minny has to offer. Minnesota’s vast Wildlife Management Area system provides excellent public hunting opportunities in each county.

Towns 11 - 25 and complete Pheasants Forever Article