Pheasant population crash

Iowa's Pheasant Population

The ringneck pheasant has been a scare sight when traveling Iowa this recent year. Iowa Department of Natural Resource estimates that the population has declined as much as 30%. 4 consecutive extra snowy winters and a wet spring have been a large reason for the decline.

Mike Ryan Department of Natural Resources Officer for Mahaska and Poweskiek Counties did a recent study, one in each county covering a 30 mile area. During this survey of the population he came across one adult bird in each county. The local deer population is near what it was last year, but maybe slightly lower. In a new one, bobcat season will be opening November 5th with Mahaska county being included in this season. Bobcats are now no longer listed as a threatened species. If you happen to catch a bobcat while trapping or hunting, you can contact Mike and he will get you the proper tag for your animal if you have your fur-harvester license. A copy of the hunting regulations can be found by clicking on this LINK.

The 2010-2011 hunting season has started already. It opened on September 4 with cottontail rabbit and squirrel, both fox and grey’s. Survey’s have showed that populations of rabbits have greatly decreased, but are steady with what was available last year. Daily bag limits of 10 and possession limits of 20, with the season going until Februrary 28, 2011.

This could hurt local restaurants and hotels that are supplemented every year by the influx of hunters for the pheasants. Deer hunters can still be expected, and their game counts are still good enough to draw them in sufficient numbers. This is an important economic boost that is in need of some help and management in order to help keep many bed and breakfasts, hotels, restaurants, and gun shops healthy.

Iowa’s pheasant hunting season begins October 30, 2010 and runs till January 10, 2011.