Posted: 11/3/04

Midwest pheasant outlook

Steve Carney
Guest Writer

The 2004 pheasant season is starting out in a ìguardedî manner as the season throughout the midwest looks a bit different than in years past. The bird counts are down almost everywhere and the bonanza of 2003 looks like it wonít be repeated here in 2004. Hereís a state-by-state outlook:

Iowa

Iowa was hit with some heavy duty hail and rains during the prime time for chick development which means the statewide look is substantially down for 2004. Iowa was plagued by rain during April and May more so than any other midwestern state making for poor pheasant reproduction. By Minnesota standards, Iowa will still surpass our bird counts but it wonít be like the Iowa of old. Expect average at best when hitting the field this month.

South Dakota

Probably the best bet for out-of-staters as South Dakota seemed to survive the wacky spring weather and the bird reproduction came through quite well. Numbers are down just a few percentage points which means it will be similar to last yearís record breaking season. If you only had time for one trip out of Minnesota, South Dakota would be the ticket. No matter what the weather brings, South Dakota still has the habitat and cover that Minnesota and Iowa doesnít have which means a more consistent season year to year no matter what.

Minnesota

Things have changed significantly in 2004 as compared to last yearís incredible season. Last year was probably an abomination as we are ìback to earthî now with the pheasant numbers more in line to the decade average. Birds are down as much as 47 percent in some areas with all regions of Minnesota showing a significant decline.

Having less birds is one thing but keep in mind that only eight percent of our corn crop has been harvested as of late October meaning what few birds there are, will be very difficult to roust with the standing corn. Late season hunting will be the best chance at harvesting a rooster or two once the cover has been knocked down and the fields are clear. There is no doubt the first three weeks of the Minnesota season will be tough going.

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