North Dakota 2025 pheasant numbers look similar to 2024, survey shows

 By Brad Dokken

The numbers are in, and North Dakota pheasant numbers are similar to last year, the Game and Fish Department said Monday, Sept. 8, in reporting results from its annual roadside surveys conducted in late July and August.

Total pheasants observed (91.6 per 100 miles) are down 3% from last year, and broods (11.4 per 100 miles) are down 1%, the department said. The average brood size (5.1) is down 6%. Despite the slight declines, the statewide number of pheasants observed per 100 miles is 48% above the 10-year average, Game and Fish said. The final summary is based on 285 survey runs made along 100 brood routes across North Dakota.

Here’s a look at pheasant numbers by region:

• Northwest: Observers in the northwest counted 14.7 broods and 115 pheasants per 100 miles, down from 20.8 broods and 164 pheasants in 2024. Average brood size was 4.3 chicks.
• Southeast: Results from the southeast showed 9.6 broods and 73 pheasants per 100 miles, up from 7.9 broods and 57 pheasants in 2024. Average brood size was 4.7 chicks.
• Southwest: Statistics from southwestern North Dakota indicated 14.8 broods and 125 pheasants per 100 miles, up from 13.8 broods and 119 pheasants in 2024. Average brood size was 5.8 chicks.
• Northeast: The northeast district, generally containing secondary pheasant habitat with lower pheasant numbers compared to the rest of the state, showed 4.9 broods and 37 pheasants per 100 miles, compared with 4.3 broods and 37 pheasants last year. Average brood size was 4.4 chicks.

The southwest and northwest districts also had the highest pheasant numbers in spring crowing count surveys, which were up 6% from 2024 across the state’s primary pheasant range, the Game and Fish Department reported in late June. Observers tallied 31.1 crows per stop in the southwest during the spring survey, up from 28.8 in 2024; and 21.3 crows per stop in the northwest, down from 21.5 in 2024.

Read the full Grad Forks Herald article

 

 

SD 1.5 million pheasant harvest possible for 2025, GFP says

 

PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) — The head of South Dakota’s Wildlife Division made a bold statement on Friday.

Tom Kirschenmann predicted that hunters would harvest more pheasants in South Dakota this season than they did last year.

“I would not be surprised to see 1.5 million birds harvested this year,” Kirschenmann told state Game, Fish and Parks Commission members during their meeting in Rapid City.

 

He added, “It’s hard to drive anywhere in South Dakota right now and not see upland birds, whether it’s pheasant or grouse.”

Hunters took an estimated 1.3 million wild pheasants and an estimated 99,000 sharptailed grouse and prairie chickens in South Dakota during 2024.

The 2025 grouse hunting season opens on Saturday, September 20.

Pheasant hunting opens gradually. First comes a youth-only season September 27 through October 5, open on public and private land. Next is a residents-only season, limited to public lands, that runs October 11-13. Then comes the full season opener on Saturday, October 18, running through January 31, 2026.

Alex Solem is the upland game biologist for the Wildlife Division that’s part of the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department. He told the commission on Friday that the estimated harvest of 1.3 million pheasants during the 2024 season was based on surveys of 15,000 residents and 15,000 nonresidents and doesn’t include the approximately 400,000 pen-raised birds that hunters took at shooting preserves.

Read the full KELO article

 

 

SD 2025 will be a very good year for pheasant hunting according to state GFP

PIERRE, SD (KELO.com) — This year’s pheasant season is expected to be loud and wild.  State wildlife officials say hunters could harvest up to one and a half million birds this fall, topping last year’s 1.3-million mark.  Strong habitat and good weather conditions helped.  Regular season opener is set for October 18th.

Read the full KELO article

Iowa 2025 Annual pheasant survey shows Iowa’s population at 20 year high

Iowa’s statewide pheasant population is at a 20-year high, and state wildlife experts are forecasting a banner year for hunters.

“The mild winter really put us over the top this year,” said Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife research biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “Our adult hen survival was excellent; our adult rooster survival was excellent. That really drove the population increase.”

Bogenschutz coordinates the annual August roadside survey of small game populations, covering 225 30-mile routes. The 2025 survey counted more pheasants, quail, cottontail rabbits and partridge than last year. The survey results are available online by clicking the 100 Years of Pheasant Hunting promo at www.iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey.

“Chick survival wasn’t as good as last year, but we had so many more nests that it offset the drop in the number of chicks per hen,” he said. Statewide, staff reported 1,038 pheasant broods, which is 338 more than last year.

“We had an early hatch which is good because the nesting season got wet later and that may have impacted chick survival or re-nesting efforts,” Bogenschutz said.

The statewide average of 28 birds per route is the highest since 2005. Regionally, the northwest region was the highest since 2005; northeast region was the highest since 1998; west central similar to last year; east central highest sense 2007; south central highest since 2017; and southeast, highest since 2020.

Bogenschutz said if hunter participation is similar to 2023, the pheasant harvest could be in the 600,000-700,000 range.

“Last year was a decent year for pheasant hunting. 2023 was a good year for pheasant hunting. This year could be excellent,” he said.

The Iowa DNR and Pheasants Forever are celebrating 100 years of pheasant hunting in the Hawkeye State. The first season was held Oct. 20-22, 1925, when 13 counties in north central Iowa were opened to pheasant hunting. Hunters were allowed a three-rooster limit, for a half-day of hunting. An estimated 75,000 hunters participated.

Hunters can commemorate the 100th anniversary by purchasing a hard card featuring Iowa Pheasants Forever Print of the Year. Pheasants Forever is offering commemorative apparel featuring both the 100 Years of Pheasant Hunting graphic and PF logo through an online, pop-up store. The store will be accepting apparel orders as the pheasant season approaches.

Read the full Iowa DNR article

MN Statewide pheasant numbers up nearly 50% from 2024

 September 2, 2025

Roadside survey also includes other species, with rabbit numbers at 60-year high

Pheasant numbers in the 2025 Minnesota August Roadside Survey were up nearly 50% from 2024 and 21% above the 10-year average, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

“The increase in pheasant numbers across the state and all regions is great news,” said Steven Woodley, acting upland game research scientist. “Our milder winter likely helped the overwinter survival of hens, and the drier and warmer spring created better conditions for nesting and brood-rearing relative to last year.”

This year’s statewide pheasant index was 75 birds per 100 miles of roads driven, compared to 51 in 2024. Pheasant numbers increased in every region. Compared to 2024, pheasant numbers increased the most in the southeast region (189%), followed by the southwest (86%), east central (82%), south central (40%), central (33%), and west central (19%) regions.

Pheasant numbers are also above their 10-year averages in every region within the pheasant range. The regions with the highest indices include the southwest (152 birds per 100 miles), south central (82 birds per 100 miles), and west central (76 birds per 100 miles), followed by the central region (59 birds per 100 miles).

There were four chicks per brood, the same as in 2024; however, there were 81 broods per 100 hens, an increase from 77 broods per 100 hens in 2024.

“The increase in brood numbers is welcome after their decline last year due to wet spring conditions,” Woodley said.

Weather and habitat are the main influences on Minnesota’s pheasant population trends. Weather causes annual fluctuations in pheasant numbers, while habitat drives long-term population trends.

Winter weather conditions were favorable for adult pheasant populations. And with little snow cover and warmer spring conditions, early nests and young broods before June rains probably did well, while nests that hatched during the rainy period in June likely suffered.

Additionally, this year’s later hatch date indicates that some nests hatched after the June rain, which may have helped boost the population by allowing them to avoid the worst weather. Long term, there is nothing to suggest that some areas’ increase in pheasant numbers will continue as a trend.

The Minnesota pheasant hunting season opens at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11.

Pheasant hunting areas

Many publicly owned lands are open to hunting, as are private lands enrolled in the state’s Walk-in-Access program. Hunters can use the Minnesota DNR’s online mapping tools to find WMAs by accessing the WMA finder and the Minnesota DNR Recreation Compass to help locate state hunting grounds and private lands enrolled in the Walk-In Access program, including updates on the condition of specific properties.

Habitat factors

Suitable pheasant habitat fluctuates in response to agricultural conservation program enrollment, such as in the Conservation Reserve Program. Habitat set-aside programs, and especially the CRP, play a large role in providing habitat for pheasants in Minnesota.

The program, authorized under the federal Farm Bill, pays farmers to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and restore vegetation that reduces soil erosion, improves water quality, and provides habitat for wildlife and pollinators.

In 2025, there was an almost 80,000-acre increase in private lands enrolled in CRP, along with a 14,000-acre rise in federal public lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service compared to 2024. Private lands enrolled in Reinvest in Minnesota and public wildlife management areas managed by the DNR also grew by approximately 4,400 and 7,100 acres, respectively, from 2024. Additionally, private lands enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program increased by around 1,400 acres compared to 2024. Overall, there was a net gain of approximately 106,000 acres of protected wildlife habitat compared to 2024.

Read the full DNR post

Top 10 States for Pheasant Hunting in the U.S.

If you’re searching for the best pheasant hunting states in America, you’re in the right place. Pheasant hunting is one of the most exciting upland pursuits, and while bird numbers vary from year to year, certain states consistently rank as the top pheasant hunting destinations. From South Dakota’s legendary fields to Nebraska’s public access programs, these states offer hunters some of the finest opportunities in the country.

Here are the top 10 states for pheasant hunting and what makes each one worth the trip.

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1. South Dakota – The Pheasant Hunting Capital

South Dakota stands at the very top of any list of best pheasant hunting states. Known as the “Pheasant Capital of the World,” it produces more birds and draws more hunters than anywhere else in the U.S. With abundant grasslands, cornfields, and CRP acres, the state supports incredible bird numbers year after year. Popular areas include Aberdeen, Mitchell, and Pierre.

Best For: High bird densities, public and private guided hunts, and a true pheasant hunting tradition.

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2. North Dakota

North Dakota offers hunters a mix of wide-open spaces and excellent bird numbers. The southwestern region is particularly strong, with prime habitat in crop stubble, shelterbelts, and grasslands. Thanks to the state’s Private Lands Open To Sportsmen (PLOTS) program, hunters can enjoy thousands of acres of access.

Best For: DIY pheasant hunters who want access to quality public land.

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3. Iowa

Once known as one of the best pheasant states in the country, Iowa’s bird numbers are climbing again thanks to habitat restoration. Northern and northwestern Iowa provide some of the most reliable hunting opportunities. With a solid access program in place, Iowa is regaining its spot as a top pheasant hunting destination in the Midwest.

Best For: Hunters looking for classic Midwest pheasant hunts close to home.

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4. Minnesota

Minnesota’s western and southwestern counties are prime pheasant hunting areas, especially with the abundance of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and Walk-In Access lands. These regions consistently hold good bird numbers, making Minnesota one of the best pheasant hunting states for public land opportunities.

Best For: Public land hunters who want strong access options.

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5. Nebraska

Nebraska combines strong pheasant hunting with opportunities for quail. The southwest and panhandle regions hold the best populations, supported by the state’s Open Fields and Waters program. This makes Nebraska an underrated but highly rewarding choice for upland bird hunting trips.

Best For: Hunters who want to chase both pheasants and quail in the same trip.

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6. Kansas

Kansas consistently ranks among the best states for pheasant hunting. North-central and northwestern Kansas provide the highest bird densities, and the Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) program adds millions of acres for hunters to explore.

Best For: Access to huge tracts of private farmland open to the public.

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7. Montana

Montana offers a different style of pheasant hunting, with its northeastern prairies and river valleys producing healthy populations. While bird numbers per acre aren’t as high as in South Dakota, the scenery and vast landscapes make it one of the most unique pheasant hunting states.

Best For: Hunters looking for wide-open country and a Western hunting experience.

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8. Colorado

Northeastern Colorado provides the state’s best pheasant hunting, particularly in areas with irrigated agriculture and CRP fields. Colorado’s Walk-In Access Program ensures hunters can pursue pheasants across productive private farmlands.

Best For: Combining pheasant hunting with a Colorado adventure trip.

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9. Illinois

Northern and central Illinois offer solid pheasant hunting, with habitat programs supporting bird populations. While opportunities aren’t as vast as the Plains states, Illinois remains one of the best pheasant hunting destinations in the Midwest.

Best For: Midwestern hunters seeking accessible day trips.

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10. Wisconsin

Wisconsin rounds out the list with a mix of wild and released pheasant hunting. The southern and western regions provide the most productive opportunities, especially on state-managed lands.

Best For: Hunters who want reliable access and a mix of wild and stocked birds.

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Final Thoughts: Where to Hunt Pheasants in the U.S.

If you’re planning your next trip and wondering where to hunt pheasants in the U.S., these 10 states offer the best opportunities. From the world-class fields of South Dakota to underrated gems like Nebraska and Colorado, each state provides something unique for upland hunters.

Whether you’re looking for public land pheasant hunting or guided private land hunts, these states deliver world-class experiences for every skill level.

South Dakota adds 30,000 acres to hunting land

Joshua Haiar - Pheasants Forever has enrolled a new landowner in its Public Access to Habitat (PATH) program that will open nearly 30,000 new acres of private land to public hunting and recreation in northwestern South Dakota.

Pheasants Forever is a nonprofit conservation group that works to improve habitat and expand public access to hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts. The group’s Ziebach County project is the largest single enrollment of the PATH initiative, which launched in South Dakota and Nebraska in 2023. 

With this addition, the program has opened 62,581 acres of privately owned land to public access across South Dakota through 59 contracts in 31 counties.

Acres enrolled in South Dakota’s Walk-In Area program can be found on Game, Fish and Parks’ Public Hunting Atlas.

Read the full Aberdeen News article

 

Wisconsin 2025 Pheasant Survey count up 30% from 2024

WI 2025 Spring Pheasant Survey

The DNR reported the 2025 average pheasant observations at 0.81 pheasants per stop, an increase from 2024 at 0.62 pheasants per stop. For the second year in a row, the count remains above the most recent five-year average (0.52 pheasants per stop).

DNR wildlife biologists use a measurement known as an abundance index to assess the state's wild pheasant population each year. On trend from past years, abundance was highest in the northwestern part of Wisconsin's pheasant range and lowest in the east-central region.

The DNR thanks the agencies and groups that helped collect data via roadside surveys. For more information regarding pheasant hunting and management, visit the DNR's Pheasant Hunting and Management webpage.

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES


Spring Ring-Necked Pheasant Survey
2025


By Chris Pollentier, Taylor Finger, Jes Rees Lohr, and Paul Frater


Abstract
Eighty-one of 83 spring ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) survey routes were completed in 2025. The average number of pheasants recorded during the 6-minute survey at each stop was 0.81 pheasants/stop, which was an increase over 2024 (0.62 pheasants/stop) and was above the 5-year average from 2019–2024 (0.52 pheasants/stop). 

The estimated statewide abundance index was 1,115 roosters in 2025 and was higher than the 2024 abundance index of 852 roosters.  Abundance
indices remained highest in the northwestern counties compared to counties in east-central and southern Wisconsin.


Results


Trend analysis – In 2025, 81 of 83 (97.6%) pheasant survey routes throughout the state were completed during the spring survey period. The average number of pheasants recorded during each 6-minute survey stop in 2025 was 0.81 pheasants/stop (SE =
0.05) and was greater than results from 2024 (0.62 pheasants/stop, SE = 0.04; Table 1).


The statewide average number of pheasants per stop in 2025 was 55% higher than the 5-year average of 0.52 pheasants/stop from 2019–2024 (95% CI = 0.49–0.55; Figure 2).


Detection rates and abundance estimates – Probability of detection varied among regions of the state, ranging from 75.4% to 92.2% (Table 2).Estimated pheasant 
abundance indices along survey routes were highest in the northwest portion of the state and lowest in east-central Wisconsin (Table 2). The statewide pheasant abundance index derived from the 2025 survey was 1,115 roosters (95% CI = 1,075.5–
1,171.2) and was greater than the 2024 survey estimate of 852 roosters (95% CI = 830.8–879.7; Table 3). 

Statistical modeling at the statewide scale indicated that pheasant detectability varied across regions and was most influenced by stop number and noise disturbance. Pheasants were encountered more often in Region 1 (northwest Wisconsin) compared to other regions of the state and were most likely to be detected early in the morning nearest to sunrise (i.e., during the first 5 stops of a
route) and absent any noise interference (i.e., passing vehicles). At the regional scale, stop number and noise disturbance influenced detection of pheasants in Region 1. In Region 2, stop number and wind speed (i.e., pheasants were better detected when there was little to no wind) influenced pheasant detection probability. And in Region
3, stop number and sky conditions (i.e., lesser amounts of cloud cover) had the most impact on pheasant detection probability. 

Read the full study

North Dakota 2025 spring pheasant crowing count survey up 6%

“We basically have had two really easy winters, especially for North Dakota standards, with not much snow and really nice temperatures,” said RJ Gross, Department upland game management biologist.

The primary regions holding pheasants showed 31.1 crows per stop in the southwest, up from 28.8 in 2024; 21.3 crows per stop in the northwest, down from 21.5; and 18.6 crows per stop in the southeast, up from 16.2. The count in the northeast, which is not a primary region for pheasants, was 6.5 crows per stop, up from 5 last year.

Barring untimely heavy rains, cool weather or hail, Gross expects more good news as the peak of the pheasant hatch is upon us.

“Entering the nesting season, residual grass cover looked good,” Gross said. “The timely May rains caused increased growth in nesting and brood rearing cover across the state. Combined with high overwinter survival the past two years and near ideal nesting habitat conditions, things are looking good for upland birds in portions of North Dakota.”

Pheasant crowing counts are conducted each spring throughout North Dakota. Observers drive specified 20-mile routes, stopping at predetermined intervals, and counting the number of roosters heard crowing over a 2-minute period.

The number of pheasant crows heard is compared to previous years’ data, providing a trend summary.

Watch the spring pheasant crowing count webcast with R.J. Gross.