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

SG Banish 46 V2 Lead
SG Banish 46 V2 Lead

#SundayGunday: Banish 46-V2

On this week's #SundayGunday, we're talking about suppressors, specifically the Banish 46-V2, capable of taming nearly every gun in your safe, up to and including the big boys like .338 Lapua.

KelTec Named Official Stage Sponsor for 2025 NRA World Shooting Championship

The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) is proud to announce KelTec as an official sponsor of the 2025 NRA World Shooting Championship, returning to Camp Atterbury, Ind., from September 30 to October 4, 2025.

Thompson/Center Arms Celebrating 60th Anniversary

Thompson/Center Arms is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025. Since 1965, T/C Arms has built a legacy rooted in the pioneering spirit of American hunters.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors: Lucy Evans from Georgia and John Bruner from Pennsylvania.

Head to Head: 7x57mm Mauser vs. .30-06 Springfield

I’ve had more than a few requests for this Head to Head, so I figured it was high time to pit two of the early 20th century’s most popular military cartridges against one another. Let's dive into the 7x57mm Mauser vs. the .30-06 Springfield.

NRA Hunter Education FREE Online Course Now Available in Louisiana

The National Rifle Association of America’s award-winning free Hunter Education online course is now available in the State of Louisiana, the latest addition as NRA works to make the course available to hunters in all 50 states.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.