Statewide Iowa — For many Iowans, a Thanksgiving Day pheasant hunt is as much a part of the holiday tradition as football, battling over the last turkey leg and an afternoon nap, and this year’s outing may be one of the best, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
DNR upland wildlife research biologist, Todd Bogenschutz says north of Interstate 80, things are shaping up for the Thanksgiving holiday to have good pheasant hunting. He says now is the time to for hunters to get out into the field. Bogenschutz says the only thing that could put a damper on Thanksgiving pheasant hunts is this weekend’s weather forecast.
Iowa’s pheasant hunting outlook is similar to 2018 when hunters harvested an estimated 320,000 roosters – the highest in a decade. Bogenschutz said for those who’ve drifted away from pheasant hunting, this year would be a good time to restart the tradition.
He says everyone has time off and we’re all together so it’s a great opportunity to get outside, enjoy the fresh air. He went on to say, “Having spent many Thanksgivings hunting with my family, it’s just being together that makes the outing special. Bagging birds is usually a bonus.”
Iowa’s pheasant season closes Jan. 10, 2020.
