Minnesota State Pheasant Index Rebounds 33 Percent; Habitat Loss Continues

By Justin Stakes

St. Paul, MN -(AmmoLand.com)- Favorable weather conditions led to a 33 percent increase in the number of Minnesota pheasants compared to last year at this time.

However, the 2015 pheasant index is 39 percent below the 10-year average and 59 percent below the long-term average. Habitat loss continues to be the main factor in a long-term decline of the state’s pheasant population, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

“Habitat loss still poses serious threats to pheasant populations and other grassland wildlife,” said Nicole Davros, a DNR research scientist. “The short-term increase is good news that results from a mild winter and relatively favorable weather during the nesting season – conditions that led to increases in the roadside index for many farmland wildlife game species.”

Minnesota’s 2015 pheasant season begins Saturday, Oct. 10, and ends Sunday, Jan. 3.

Roadside survey data

The DNR’s August roadside survey for pheasants showed a 33 percent increase in the overall pheasant index from 2014. This year’s statewide pheasant index was 40.7 birds per 100 miles of roadside driven.

Weather and habitat are the two main factors …read more

Source:: AmmoLand