Iowa’s pheasant population has reached its highest level in two decades, setting the stage for what Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff predict will be an excellent hunting season. The 2025 August roadside survey, which includes 225 individual 30-mile routes, reported more pheasants, quail, cottontail rabbits, and partridge than last year. Staff documented 1,038 pheasant broods, which is over 300 more than were counted in 2024. The statewide average of 28 birds per route is the highest since 2005. DNR Upland Wildlife Research Biologist Todd Bogenschutz says, “Last year was a decent year for pheasant hunting. 2023 was a good year for pheasant hunting. This year could be excellent.” If hunter participation mirrors last year, Bogenschutz suggests harvest could reach as high as 700,000 birds by season’s end. In the DNR’s West Central Region, which encompasses most of the listening area, pheasant population estimates were up 20 percent from 2024, and quail were up 27 percent. This fall also marks 100 years of pheasant hunting in Iowa. The season runs Oct. 25 through Jan. 10, 2026, with a youth-only weekend Oct. 18 and 19. Roadside survey results are available using the link included below.
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