The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) annual roadside survey began yesterday (Thursday) and continues through Aug. 15. The survey, which involves DNR staff driving 218, 30-mile routes on gravel roads at dawn on mornings with heavy dew, helps the department estimate pheasant, partridge, cottontail and jackrabbit populations. Officials say the cold and snowy winter, combined with heavy rains and flooding earlier in the year, will likely have an impact on these species’ spring nesting success. However, Upland Wildlife Research Biologist, Todd Bogenschutz, says, “We started receiving reports of staff seeing pheasant broods in late May and hearing quail calls through the spring and summer, which are both positive signs.” He adds it will be interesting to see the results after the data is collected. The DNR has used the same routes to conduct the August survey for nearly 60 years. Results from the 2019 survey will be posted by the DNR by Sept. 10, which can be found by following the link included with this story on our website.
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Click HERE for August Roadside Survey Results
