Iowa Roadside Pheasant Counts Begin Next Week

The population survey for Iowa pheasants will be on August 1st. The fall forecast is based on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources annual roadside pheasant counts which begin on August 1st.

The survey is conducted by Iowa DNR staff between August 1st and August 15th. Those surveying drive 218 30-mile routes on gravel roads at dawn on mornings with heavy dew. Hen pheasants aid the count when they move their broods to the edge of the gravel to dry off before feeding.

The Iowa DNR released their annual June prediction based on a weather model, but the best indicator for the fall season is the roadway survey. The June prediction is predicting numbers to be better than ever.

The August roadside survey has been conducted over the same routes since 1962. In addition to pheasants and quail, the survey collects data on partridge, cottontails and jackrabbits. Results will be posted online the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website in early September. Iowa’s pheasant season begins Oct. 28.