Iowa’s 2024 pheasant hunting season is shaping up to be another good year, according to the state’s annual August roadside survey results. The survey found 19 birds per 30-mile route, slightly down from 23 birds in 2023, largely due to above-normal rainfall during the nesting season. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Upland Wildlife Research Biologist Todd Bogenschutz says, “Iowa hunters have enjoyed solid pheasant hunting for the past five seasons. If dry weather continues into fall, an early harvest could lead to even better success.” Based on the survey, hunters can expect to harvest between 350,000 to 400,000 roosters this year. Last year’s harvest approached 600,000, the highest since 2007, thanks to an increase in hunters. Iowa’s quail population remains strong, particularly in the southwest and west-central regions, while partridge numbers were lower, with better counts in the north-central and northwest. Rabbit populations have also increased statewide. The full survey report is available on the DNR’s website, a link to which is included below.
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