Minnesota Pheasant count remains at highest level in two decades

justnorth posted on September 13, 2007 15:05 :: 1331 Views

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) pheasant index remained near its highest level in 20 years, thanks to favorable weather and habitat conditions in portions of the state's pheasant range.

The pheasant index (107 birds per 100 miles of survey driven this year) topped 100 for the third consecutive year. In each of the past two years, hunters harvested nearly 600,000 roosters, the most since 1964. Last year's index of 115 birds per 100 miles driven was the highest in 20 years.

"Strong pheasant populations are the result of favorable weather and abundant habitat," said Dennis Simon, DNR Wildlife Management Section chief. "As we approach next year's 25th anniversary of the pheasant habitat stamp, it's important to recognize that our abundant habitat is in part the result of support from groups like Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, the Minnesota Waterfowl Association and many others who continue to make grassland habitat conservation a priority."

The best opportunities for harvesting pheasants will likely be in the southwest, where observers reported 223 birds per 100 miles of survey driven. Good harvest opportunities might also be found in the west central and south central regions, where observers reported 118 and 121 birds per 100 miles driven, respectively.

Mild winter weather boosted hen counts to 56 percent above the 10-year average. The number of broods was also well above average, but the number of chicks per brood was below average, despite apparently favorable spring weather, said Kurt Haroldson, DNR wildlife research biologist. "The combination of high hen and brood numbers compensated for small brood size," he said. "The result is a high pheasant population in Minnesota." Furthermore, a cock index 57 percent above the 10-year average will contribute additional birds to the fall population.

Gray partridge, cottontail rabbit, and white-tailed jackrabbit indices were also similar to 2006, whereas mourning dove indices decreased from last year, but remained similar to the 10-year average and the long-term average.

One key to increased pheasant populations is grassland habitat, Haroldson said. Within the state's pheasant range, protected grasslands account for about 6 percent of the landscape, the highest number since the mid 1990s. Farm programs make up the largest portion of protected grasslands in the state.

Sign-ups for the Minnesota CREP II, targeting enrollment of up to 120,000 new acres of environmentally sensitive cropland in the Red River, Lower Mississippi, Missouri and Des Moines River watersheds, have been lower than hoped. Although progress continues on CRP and CREP II, the potential expiration of a large proportion of existing CRP contracts beginning this fall is still a major concern for future wildlife populations.

"If Minnesota is to avoid a drastic decline in pheasant and other farmland wildlife populations, hunters, landowners, wildlife watchers and conservationists must make the case for farm programs," Simon said. "CRP is being debated by congress right now and could be decided by the end of the year. Conservation organizations like Pheasant Forever, Ducks Unlimited and many others can help hunters and wildlife enthusiasts stay informed of the latest developments."

The DNR is a major partner the Farm Bill Assistance Partnership to expand the habitat base through marketing of farm bill conservation programs in partnership with Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, Pheasants Forever, and county Soil and Water Conservation Districts. In addition, DNR is continuing a focused habitat effort to develop large grassland-wetland complexes through a "Working Lands Initiative" with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other partners.

The annual roadside survey, which began in the late 1940s, was standardized in 1955. DNR conservation officers and wildlife managers in the farmland region of Minnesota conduct the survey during the first two weeks in August. This year's survey consisted of 170 routes, each 25 miles long, with 151 routes located in the ring necked pheasant range. Observers drive each route in early morning and record the number and species of wildlife they see. The data provide an index of relative abundance and are used to monitor annual changes and long term trends in populations of ring necked pheasants, gray partridge, eastern cottontail rabbits, white tailed jackrabbits and selected other wildlife species.

The 2007 August Roadside Report and pheasant-hunting-prospects map can be viewed and downloaded from www.dnr.state.mn.us.

Minnesota's pheasant season is Oct. 13-Jan. 1. The daily bag limit is two roosters with a possession limit of six. Shooting hours are 9 a.m. to sunset.