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Sept. 2, 2024Des Moines, Iowa |  By: Jeremy Werner

Iowa DNR releases pheasant survey results

pheasant

DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa’s 2024 pheasant survey shows stable results compared to recent years, with 19 birds recorded per 30-mile route, slightly down from 23 in 2023.

Despite heavy rainfall during the nesting season, Iowa’s pheasant hunting outlook remains strong, with an expected harvest of 350,000 to 400,000 roosters.

Last year’s pheasant season saw the best numbers since 2007, and if dry conditions hold, a timely crop harvest could set the stage for another successful year.

Quail numbers are strong in southwest and west-central Iowa, while partridge populations are better in the north. Rabbit numbers are up statewide, particularly in southern Iowa.

Key hunting dates include Youth Pheasant season from Oct. 19-20 and the main season from Oct. 26 to Jan. 10. The full survey report is available at iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey.