Wet spring and summer affected reproduction in some areas; habitat declines remain long-term concern

The 2018 roadside survey for pheasants showed a 19 percent increase in the overall pheasant index from 2017 according to a release by Minnesota Department of Resources.

While the index is similar to the 10-year average, it is still 52 percent below the long-term average.

“Given the April snowstorms and heavy rains across a good portion of the pheasant range this year, it was surprising to see increases in the pheasant indices across so many regions,” said Lindsey Messinger, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist who coordinated this year’s survey. “It appears hens may have delayed nesting and chicks were able to tolerate the rain in most areas.”

The pheasant index increased in all regions except the south-central region, which decreased by 36 percent from 2017. The highest pheasant counts were in the west-central, southwest and central regions where observers reported 48 to 65 birds per 100 miles driven. Hunters should find the best hunting opportunities in these regions.

Minnesota’s 2018 pheasant season is open Saturday, Oct. 13, through Monday, Jan. 1.

Weather and habitat are the two main factors that drive Minnesota’s pheasant population trends. Weather causes annual fluctuations in pheasant numbers. In the south-central region of the pheasant range, late-season snowstorms and heavy rain this past spring and summer has been tough for pheasants.

Minnesota peaked in nesting habitat acres, particularly CRP acres, in 2007 but has declined since then. The state added about 82,500 habitat acres in the past year, many of which were CRP acres; however, nearly 297,000 acres of CRP may be lost within the next two years due to contracts that are set to expire.

Also recorded in this year’s survey

•The gray partridge index remained similar to 2017 and was 50 percent below the 10-year average and 93 percent below the long-term average.

•The mourning dove index decreased 7 percent from 2017 and remained below the 10-year average and long-term averages.

•The cottontail rabbit index decreased 23 percent from 2017 but was 13 percent above the 10-year average and similar to the long-term average.

•The white-tailed jackrabbit index was similar to last year and remains historically low.

•The white-tailed deer index decreased 13 percent from 2017 but was still 19 percent above the 10-year average and 99 percent above the long-term average.