Statewide Iowa — Iowa’s pheasant hunting season opens Saturday morning and state officials say there could be 50- to 60-thousand hunters in the fields.
Todd Bogenshutz, a biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, says the state’s pheasant numbers appear to be rising.
Fields that are clear of crops mean less cover and better hunting. The forecast calls for cooler weather on opening day, with highs only in the 30s and 40s. Bogenshutz says lower temperatures may also mean better hunting.
There are no significant changes in the hunting rules from last year, he says, and one of the most frequent questions he hears is about the wearing of blaze orange.
Non-toxic shot is required in some areas, including wetlands, and he says to always get permission before hunting on private property. The season runs through January 10th. Find more information at www.iowadnr.gov.
