The state’s pheasant population is expected to be up when hunters take to the fields, despite up and down spring weather this year.
Iowa Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist, Todd Bogenschutz says the results from the roadside survey show an uptick in numbers.
Bogenschutz says most regions of the state had more birds out and about when the survey took place.
The birds are counted in the morning when the dew is on the grass and they come to the side of the road to dry off. Bogenschutz says the lack of dew through off their count last year and they had to adjust it.
The bird counts lead to an estimation that hunters could take 250 to 300-thousand roosters this fall.
The pheasant season opens October 27th and runs until January 10th.
