Minnesota DNR: We Underestimated Pheasant Counts

by
posted on December 4, 2013
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (46)

From concerns over loss of prairie habitat to alarmingly low roadside survey numbers, it's been a bad news cycle for the ring-necked pheasant. Well, for those in need a little good news, here it is: It appears Minnesota underestimated its pheasant counts.

In recent years the Land of 10,000 Lakes has become one of America's top pheasant producers, particularly in the southwest corner. So, the August estimate of a 29-percent decline in birds was disheartening. But, hunter success rates thus far seem to be serving as a reminder that the DNR's roadside estimates are just that: estimates.

Some speculate that 2013's cold, wet spring caused many hens to nest late or re-nest after losing clutches. Their chicks would have been too young to be counted in the August surveys. The notion is supported by hunters' reports of juvenile birds--some too young even to be identified as hens or roosters during the opening week.

“I think we underestimated the August counts because I’ve talked with quite a few hunters that have been pleasantly surprised with the birds out there,” Nicole Davros, Minnesota DNR upland game project leader, told the St. Cloud Times. “Several people commented that they saw pheasants on opening weekend that were only a couple weeks old.”

I still believe firmly that we are at a conservation crossroads in the Midwest, but this is good news. Could South Dakota's estimate of a 64-percent decline also be exaggerated? Let's hope so.

Latest

LEDE Marlin Dark
LEDE Marlin Dark

Hardware Review: Marlin Model 1895 Dark

If you think lever-action rifles should only have walnut stocks and a blued-metal finish, then the new Marlin Dark series with its polymer buttstock and aluminum AR-esque handguard probably won’t be your thing. That’s a shame, because this recent offering in Marlin’s line of modernized, capable lever-action rifles has a lot going for it in terms of performance, functionality and fun.

ATN Shipping TICO LTV Thermal Clip-On

This thermal clip-on device is a huge night-time gear multiplier for hunters and observers, transforming any daytime scope into a thermal sight.

MidwayUSA Named Official Sponsor of the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings

Glock, Inc. is the Presenting Sponsor of the Freedom Experience on Saturday, April 26th

First Look: Montana Rifle Company Marshall Hunting Rifle

Montana Rifle Company (MRC) has announced its Marshall Hunting Rifle—a rifle the company bills as being 10,000 rounds in the making.

Spring Gobbler Gear Roundup

Mike Roux lays out his winter's turkey gear discoveries, just in time for spring gobbler season.

National 4-H Shooting Sports Signs on as Official +ONE Partner

The National 4-H Shooting Sports program has joined the +ONE Movement, a national mentorship initiative led by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) that encourages peer-to-peer mentorship in the hunting and shooting sports.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.