Minnesota DNR: We Underestimated Pheasant Counts

by
posted on December 4, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (46)

From concerns over loss of prairie habitat to alarmingly low roadside survey numbers, it's been a bad news cycle for the ring-necked pheasant. Well, for those in need a little good news, here it is: It appears Minnesota underestimated its pheasant counts.

In recent years the Land of 10,000 Lakes has become one of America's top pheasant producers, particularly in the southwest corner. So, the August estimate of a 29-percent decline in birds was disheartening. But, hunter success rates thus far seem to be serving as a reminder that the DNR's roadside estimates are just that: estimates.

Some speculate that 2013's cold, wet spring caused many hens to nest late or re-nest after losing clutches. Their chicks would have been too young to be counted in the August surveys. The notion is supported by hunters' reports of juvenile birds--some too young even to be identified as hens or roosters during the opening week.

“I think we underestimated the August counts because I’ve talked with quite a few hunters that have been pleasantly surprised with the birds out there,” Nicole Davros, Minnesota DNR upland game project leader, told the St. Cloud Times. “Several people commented that they saw pheasants on opening weekend that were only a couple weeks old.”

I still believe firmly that we are at a conservation crossroads in the Midwest, but this is good news. Could South Dakota's estimate of a 64-percent decline also be exaggerated? Let's hope so.

Latest

LEDEVX 4HD 3 12X50 CDS ZL2 SF 185454 A 1
LEDEVX 4HD 3 12X50 CDS ZL2 SF 185454 A 1

New for 2026: Leupold VX-4HD

When a hunt can shift from tight timber at first light to a long look across open country by midmorning, a scope must do more than just magnify. The Leupold VX-4HD is built for exactly that kind of versatility, blending rugged construction, smart engineering and optical performance into a scope that works wherever the hunt takes you.

First Look: Blocker Outdoors Finisher Chest Pack Pro

The Blocker Outdoors Finisher Chest Pack Pro is the kind of gear that takes the basic tenets of turkey hunting into consideration, while attempting to minimize the burden of a cumbersome full-size vest. This makes it a a straightforward alternative to a full-size turkey vest for run-and-gun hunters who want to balance loadout with freedom of movement.

The Value of Post Season Scouting in the Snow

Although for most of the country deer season is over, there are some important aspects of deer hunting to be understood, particularly when it snows during the winter months. In my part of the country, we don’t often get a good blanket of snow until the deer season closes. However, when it does snow, I make a point to get outdoors and visit each of my hunting areas to learn when the learning is best.

Tuo Introduces New Camouflage Pattern: Ryse

Tuo launched its proprietary Verse camo pattern in 2024. While the supplemental light tans and sharp lines render effectiveness in wooded environments as well, Tuo wanted to offer a second exclusive pattern for whitetail hunters. It has done so with Ryse.

New for 2026: SIG Sauer Zulu10 HDX Binoculars

SIG Sauer’s new Zulu10 HDX binoculars are engineered for hunters and shooters who prioritize optical performance and mechanical precision as much as durability.

Renewed Hunting and Fishing Focus on Interior Department-Managed Property

On Jan. 7 U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum issued an order stating, “…public and federally managed lands should be open to hunting and fishing unless a specific, documented, and legally supported exception applies.”

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.