Pheasant Forecast 2022
Pheasant Forecast 2022
Growing up, I heard stories from my dad about his pheasant hunting adventures and the success he and his brothers had seeking out birds hiding out in Iowa’s pastures and ag fields. Fast forward several years to the time I started hunting, very seldomly would I see a bird in the southern part of the state. With that said, are we headed back to the good ol’ days? I definitely have seen and heard more in the last decade than I had previously. Every year, the Iowa DNR conducts a pheasant population survey. This helps hunters gage potential success in the field and helps the DNR manage our limits and resources.
Last year, we heard about the excellent season our readers had while hunting. Some experienced the most exciting season to date! Similarly, the Iowa DNR reported 2021 had the most roosters harvested since 2008. We have had some variables to consider over the last year. For instance, last winter’s snowfall was below average for the state. This may have led to more favorable conditions for pheasant survival through the winter months. There were also some struggles to consider. If you remember, an avian flu pommeled the Midwest hard last year. Despite reports of domestic and wild bird fatalities from the flu, both hunters and the state agencies are optimistic about the number of birds for 2022.
2022 Roadside Study
Let’s take a look at the results from the study. First of all, you might be wondering how the information is collected and analyzed. During August 1-15, the Iowa DNR staff travels through the whole state to scout pheasants. Currently, the department splits the duties into 205 different routes covering rural ground and a lot of gravel roads. The staff drive slowly, around 10-15 mph, and cover approximately 30 miles on each route. During August, hen pheasants will bring their young towards the shoulders of gravel roads to dry off from the heavy dew. Young pheasants are still growing their feathers and need to dry off to keep their body temperatures regulated. The first few hours of daylight, as the sun is rising, allow officers to scout roadways and spot hens and their young. This helps estimate pheasant populations all across the state.
On average, there are an estimated 19.6 pheasants per square mile across the state. This is slightly lower than the survey last year at an estimated 20.1 birds per square mile. We saw some numbers fluctuate across the state. The areas that had more pheasants reported than last year’s study include: Northwest Iowa (+6%), Eastern Iowa (+31%), and Southeastern Iowa (+22%). The areas that had a lower number of pheasants observed in comparison with last year’s data include: Northeast Iowa (-20%), Northcentral Iowa (-12%), Central Iowa (-12%), and Southcentral Iowa (-22%). Two out of the 9 area divisions had relatively flat statistics: Westcentral Iowa (-2%) and Southwest Iowa (+4%). In short, Eastern/Southeastern Iowa had the strongest increase of pheasant numbers, while central Iowa counties (extending from the north boarder to the southern boarder) experienced a decrease in pheasant numbers. The western counties fluctuated somewhat, but numbers should be pretty flat compared to last year’s pheasant population.
2022 Pheasant Season
The roadside study has helped us conclude that pheasant numbers are comparable to last year. We are expecting another exciting year for hunters and according to the study, populations are estimated to be about 11% higher than the last decade average. We are still a ways from the good ol’ days, but overall 2022 will likely hold exciting opportunities for Iowans. More information can be found on the Iowa DNR’s website.
by Jessica Graham
November 2022
