Iowa’s pheasant population is expected to see gains this year thanks to a mild winter and average spring, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Weather data show the 2024-25 winter was the fourth least snowy in 138 years. Combined with typical rainfall and temperatures this spring, those conditions are favorable for nesting. Upland Wildlife Biologist Todd Bogenschutz says, “Given the statewide information, we are expecting a good nesting effort, and our weather model is predicting pheasant populations will likely be higher for the 2025 hunting season.” The department’s forecast is based on 50 years of weather data and roadside counts. Reports of hens with chicks began in mid-May in southern Iowa and have now spread statewide, indicating an early nesting trend that typically results in more chicks. The DNR’s annual roadside population survey begins in August, and the agency will release its yearly upland bird survey results around Sept. 15 at iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey. This fall also marks the 100th anniversary of pheasant hunting in Iowa, first held in 1925.
Mild Winter Boosts Outlook For Iowa Pheasant Hunting Season
