Encouraging Forecast For Iowa Pheasant Hunters Predicted

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources reports favorable weather this winter and spring across Iowa could benefit pheasant hunters this fall.

The DNR uses a model which comes from winter and spring weather conditions, previous weather data, and pheasant surveys which come from roadside population surveys to predict pheasant population trends for the fall.

Statewide, snowfall from December through March averaged one inch above average, but the northern third of Iowa, and the central region, saw significantly more snowfall, likely reducing hen survival in the northwest and northcentral regions where total winter snowfall exceeded three feet.

The southern third of Iowa saw very little snowfall all winter, about one foot, and hen survival should be excellent in these regions. Southern Iowa’s mild winter will likely lead to higher quail numbers, too.

The August roadside survey is conducted each year between Aug. 1-15, over the same 218, 30-mile routes. Survey results will be posted online at www.iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey around Sept. 15.