Iowa DNR: 2020 Higher pheasant numbers could mean best hunting in a decade

By

 Perry Beeman

Iowa biologists found more pheasants during their annual survey this year compared to last year, and predicted hunters may have their best season in a decade.

The annual roadside survey by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources found a average of 20 pheasants per 30-mile route, up from 17 last year.

Six of the nine survey regions found more than 20 pheasants per route, the most since 2007, DNR reported.

“Pheasant hunters should expect significantly better pheasant numbers in 2020,” Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife biologist said in a news release. “Pheasant hunting this fall could be some of the best the state has seen in a decade.”

Bogenschutz said a mild winter helped, as did low snowfall totals. A dry spring helped nesting.

The southeast region led the way with a 163% increase in the survey count, and the northeast section was next with a gain of 115%. The east-central region gained 55%.

Due to the drought, the western and central zones had lower numbers, DNR reported.

Bogenschutz estimated hunters will bag 250,000 to 300,000 birds, a strong number in recent years but far below the historic highs of more than 1 million.

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Montana Roosters Full Episode Pheasant Hunting Video

 

The dogs of Soggy Acres travel to Montana for a unique and picturesque upland experience. Join the crew as they chase pheasants and Hungarian Partridge with Labrador Retrievers and Spaniels.

Hunters go for Nebraska Upland Slam starting Sept. 1 2020

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters again are challenged to go afield with family and friends and harvest four upland bird species this fall to complete the Nebraska Upland Slam.

The challenge of the Upland Slam, a partnership among the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Pheasants Forever, Inc., and Quail Forever, is to harvest a ring-necked pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, greater prairie-chicken and northern bobwhite quail in Nebraska this season.

Successful hunters then go online to upload a photo of each harvested bird and provide details about their hunt. Those who complete the Slam will receive an official certificate and pin and be entered into a drawing to win one of several prizes, including a Browning Maxus 12-gauge shotgun.

Nebraska is the mixed bag capital of the Great Plains and a great place to hunt a variety of birds in different habitats. “The Nebraska Upland Slam has generated a lot of excitement and has encouraged hunters to try something new, hunt a new area of the state, or just spend more time afield,” said John Laux, Game and Parks’ upland habitat and access program manager.

All participants who submit at least one harvest to the Nebraska Upland Slam will be automatically entered into monthly drawings for prizes sponsored by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. Prizes include the shotgun, gun-cleaning kits, metal artwork, tumblers, and memberships to the two conservation groups.

Read the full KTIC article for more information

South Dakota Pheasant Hunting in the Snow | Passion for the Hunt Video

 Late season pheasant hunt in the cold and snow. Great dog work, hunting near Kimball, SD with Wings of Thunder. Joined by members of the California Deer Association on an auctioned trip to support hunter recruitment and conservation.

A Bird Dog's First Pheasant Hunt | The Flush: Season 9, Episode #5

 

Scott Fransen introduces his new bird dog to South Dakota's roosters. This hunt runs deeper than the love of flushing birds, when his daughters tag along for the passing of the bird dog torch on Hank's first hunt.

Pheasant Hunting with American Brittany's Video

An inspiring pheasant hunting film over American Brittany's in the heart of Washington farm country. Pheasant hunting is an american passion for many upland hunters and Stan has been at it his whole adult life. From catching pigeons in grain silos to riding horseback behind his bird dogs he epitomizes a passion for bird hunting.

WI Pheasant Hunting Public Land Video

 

Pheasant hunting public land in southern Wisconsin. While it's no where near some states with wild bird populations, there is enough to give the upland hunter some sport. You have to work for them a bit harder in late season but you can have some luck. The Wisconsin DNR releases cock pheasants to give opportunity in our area. Get some good boots and get out in the field. My 4 year old Vizsla, Kaizer, always loves chasing some roosters on the weekends and so do I. We also bagged a bonus woodcock on the closing weekend for them. I hope you enjoy the footage and I'll try to keep it UnderFortyYards.

Late Season Pheasant Hunting - It's Not for the Weak - South Dakota 2019 Video

Miles of walking in deep crunchy snow, calm winds, cold temps, condensed wild cagey roosters, long shots, beautiful scenery, and tons of wildlife are all part of late season pheasant hunting in South Dakota.

South Dakota looks at extending 2020 pheasant season

Jody Heemstra

South Dakota wildlife officials are looking at extending the pheasant hunting season. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks has proposed some changes to the length of the hunting season. 

Under the proposal, the pheasant season would start two hours earlier at 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of October. 

The season would also last longer, running to Jan. 31 instead of its current end date of the first Sunday of January. 

The Wildlife Division director for Game, Fish and Parks tells KELO-TV that an extended season would give more opportunity to hunters. If approved, the changes would take effect for the upcoming 2020 season.

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