Iowa’s recent mild winter and dryer than normal April
and May could lead to positive results for pheasant hunters this fall.
Hen survival increases during mild winters, and more hens mean more
nests and more nests typically means more pheasants in the fall.
Statewide snowfall from December through March was seven
inches below the 1961-90 average and Iowa’s lowest snowfall total since
2012. Snowfall was below normal in all regions of the state. Winter hen
survival was likely above normal for most regions for both pheasant and
bobwhite quail.
Statewide the spring months were drier and colder than
the 1961-90 average. The spring came early with little snow cover in
March. April and May nesting season was cooler than normal and rainfall
was one inch below the 1961-90 average. This is Iowa’s lowest nesting
season rainfall since 1994.
Reports of early and large pheasant broods have been reported, suggesting a good hatch is underway.
The nesting forecast is based on a model that compares
30 years of weather data with the corresponding pheasant counts in
August. This prediction is a best guess based on weather data, and it
can be wrong. The DNR's August roadside survey is the best gauge of what
upland populations will be this fall. The DNR will post its August
roadside numbers online at www.iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey around Sept. 15.
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