DNR: Minnesota's Pheasant Count Up 68 Percent
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) – Officials with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said Tuesday a mild winter and a warm spring have contributed to an increase in the state's pheasant count.
DNR officials said the pheasant population index is up about 68 percent from this time last year. They said pheasant hunters are expected to harvest around 290,000 birds this season. That figure is up from last year's harvest of about 204,000.
Officials said this year's expected count is still half the number from the 2005-2008 seasons.
The pheasant population estimate is part of the DNR's annual roadside wildlife survey. Officials said the best pheasant counts were in west central Minnesota, where an average of 58 pheasants per 100 miles driven were reported.
