IOWA, USA — Iowa DNR staff members are working their way through thousands of miles of roads for the annual August pheasant population survey.
From Aug. 1-15, DNR staffers will drive 225 different 30-mile routes. It covers more than 6,000 miles of rural, gravel roads.
The trips are made early in the morning, when heavy dew is present. Hen pheasants will move their broods to the edge of gravel roads to dry off before feeding begins. This increased visibility allows staffers to physically count how many birds they see from the road.
The August roadside survey has been conducted over the same routes since 1962. It is the state's best indicator for pheasant numbers, heading into the fall hunting season. In fact, the data collected this summer will be used to create Iowa's fall forecast.
A preliminary prediction is made in June, based off weather models that account for snowfall, rainfall and temperatures from the past winter and spring. However, the DNR maintains the most accurate population count comes from the August survey.
Pheasant hunters across Iowa's northern half had an excellent season in 2023. Based off of the most recent June prediction model, 2024 is expected to have lower bird numbers.
Results of the August survey will be posted here in early September. Iowa's pheasant season begins October 26.
In addition to pheasants, the survey also collects data on quail, partridge, cottontails and jackrabbits.
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