Pheasant populations throughout the state are up significantly according a recent survey by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The annual August Roadside Survey, which runs from Aug. 1 to Aug. 15 each year, reports an average of 20.2 birds per 30-mile route. DNR Upland Wildlife Biologist, Todd Bogenschutz, says this is a substantial increase from the 2019 count and credits the mild 2020 winter and dry spring for the increase. According to him, the numbers could have been even higher if not for the drought. “In the western and central regions where we counted fewer birds, we struggled to get good survey conditions, so the results are not likely representative of actual numbers. Pheasant populations in these regions appear higher than last year, according to casual staff reports, even though the survey says the population is essentially unchanged,” says Bogenschutz. Based on the available data, the DNR expects between 250,000 and 350,000 roosters to be harvested this fall. Iowa’s quail population appears to have stayed relatively stable from last year while partridge counts were slightly higher. Rabbit numbers were unchanged from last year. Cottontail season begins tomorrow (Saturday), Sept. 5. Partridge season starts Oct. 10 while the pheasant and quail seasons get underway Oct. 31.
