Pheasant hunters can expect to have a little more success in Iowa this fall compared to recent years. The state’s annual August roadside pheasant count recorded the highest number of birds since 2008, with a statewide average of 17 birds per 30 mile route. That compares to 7 birds per 30 miles last year. Todd Bogenschutz (BOH-gun-shuts), an Upland Wildlife Biologist with the DNR, believes the pheasant population was actually up last year, but birds were missed in the roadside counts due to drought conditions not providing an accurate picture.

The survey suggests hunters could harvest more than 250,000 pheasants this year. Last year, a record low 40,000 hunters pursued pheasants in the state. Bogenschutz expects this year’s roadside count will encourage more hunters to take part in pheasant season.

Iowa’s youth pheasant hunting season is scheduled for October 18 and 19, while the regular pheasant season will run from October 25 to January 10, 2015.