n. central Iowa pheasant numbers?

[wallytap]

How are the birds looking this year in Iowa?

[The Bullhead]

I just read an article in the local paper saying that Iowa's pheasant numbers had dropped, due to the excess precip this past spring. It stated pheasant numbers state wide were down 1/3, but also was quick to add that hunting would probably be pretty good just the same. (10yr avg is steady)

Here's a link you may find helpful:

http://www.iowadnr.com/wildlife/files/uproadd.html

[Smitty]

I've heard numbers for NC Iowa here down anywhere from 25-50% due to the heavy rains this spring, but they're saying the population is about "normal" this year (not sure what they call normal). I've seen a fair # of birds when I'm out and about, but the rubber will hit the road once the corn starts coming out.

I think it'll be a decent year, but not great by any means. Where ya from?

[wallytap]

Thanks Smitty, I live in Madison,Wi. Had hunted the Waverly area from 1995-2000 and a return in 2003, bird numbers had dropped ALOT.This year could be tough going.Non-resident fees have taken a increase and bird numbers dropped......Guess we'll be fishing longer.

[Smitty]

Cool, I'm about 30-40 minutes from Wavery in Sheffield.

Yep, they're definitely down from last year and nothing like the "good old days".. Too many CRP contracts have come up in the last 3-4 years and there's just so little habitat left unless you want to walk corn stubble (and that's not like it used to be cause it's cut so short and no weeds)..

I'll get a few and certainly get out as this will be my son's 2nd full year hunting birds, but I don't expect big numbers. He's too worried about youth deer season for the next couple weeks though.. :)

[ringneck_wrangler]

Im hearing seriously conflicting reports on the populations so far gang. Im from Carroll area and our hatch was supposedly a real dandy. My folks are up in spencer area and i can attest to the number of birds we're seein around there already as the silage cutting starts. On a bright note for you rooster fanatics.....lots of new buffer strips for creeks last year, and this year a new program for 30 yrd buffers either side of fencerows, and it looks like the farmers are REALLY utilizing the new program, lots, and lots of new grasses planted this fall already!... Good luck and aim straight. And remember if your bird dog dont love ya, no one does!