The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports that the 2025 pheasant hatch is underway, with the first sightings of chick broods coming in over the past two weeks. Mild winter conditions and a favorable April led to early nesting across much of the state. While May is essentially an incubation period, peak hatching typically occurs in early to mid-June. Upland Wildlife Research Biologist Todd Bogenschutz says, “Hens are determined nesters, and if they lose a nest, they will continue to re-nest into July, but the data shows that each attempt has fewer eggs than the previous effort. When we have early nesting years, we typically have the highest number of chicks, and it is looking like 2025 will be an early nesting year.” Pheasant eggs hatch after 23 days of incubation. Warm weather is critical for chick survival during the June 10–15 peak, as cold, wet conditions can be fatal. The DNR’s August roadside survey will provide fall hunting outlooks in early September. This year marks 100 years of pheasant hunting in Iowa, first celebrated in 1925 in 13 north-central Iowa counties. Hunters can commemorate the milestone with a collectible hard card license featuring the Pheasants Forever Print of the Year.
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