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Pheasant numbers rebound after mild winter, wet spring


The mild winter and wet spring created a conducive environment for upland bird production in the Mobridge area, according to South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks officials, which hopefully translates into better pheasant numbers in the area.

According to Nathan Baker, Regional Terrestrial Resource Supervisor, the mild winter and a wetter spring than recent years, was good for the nesting habitat needed for a successful spring hatch for upland birds such as the pheasants.

Baker said in the northern areas of the state, the nesting vegetation was good, and temperatures were not abnormally hot as they were in the spring of 2021.

The young birds that year, with the dry conditions and hot spring, did not survive the conditions.

“There was a good production of prairie grouse. Up from last year,” he said. “We think that will hold true for the pheasant population as they usually go hand-in-hand.”

Baker said a successful nesting season usually means a good crop of young birds.
Kody Conlon, the private land habitat biologist for the Mobridge office of the GF&P said since there is no longer a formal pheasant survey conducted by the agency, his opinion is based on what he has seen out in the field in the area.

“It seems like the numbers are up,” he said. “The brood numbers seem to be higher. The weather has been cooperative for the young birds.”

He said the reason people may not be seeing as many pheasants in ditches and along the roads is this time of year the birds are looking for cover in slough areas and tree claims as the fields are being harvested.

Resident hunting opened last weekend, with non-resident opening at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 15.

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