Poorer Pheasant Hunting in Iowa

Pheasant hunters who track through Iowa's fields during the fall, fear that the past winter weather conditions and the likelihood of spring flooding will cause the state's population of pheasants to dwindle.

Pheasant hunting brings in nearly 186 million dollars per year to the state of Iowa. The number of pheasants killed by Iowa hunters has dropped 50 percent since 2005. Pheasants Forever, blames poor weather during spring nesting seasons and the conversion of grasslands to crop fields for the loss.

Pheasants Forever is a non-profit group that promotes the growth of pheasant population and hunting in the United States.

Hunters used to routinely kill a million pheasants per season in the state of Iowa. Iowa hunters killed a record low of 383,000 birds in 2008. Much of this was due to heavy flooding in much of the state. The 2009 figure is expected to be in the range of 300,000 to 350,000, but has not yet been publicized by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The pheasant originally came from China. They are hardy and can survive heavy snowfall. Hens lay an average of 11 eggs. If the first or second nests or pheasants are killed, they will build yet another nest and try to raise another family. Because of this, pheasant numbers can rebound quickly if birds have kind weather conditions and good habitat.

The peak of the hatch is usually during the second week of June. The nesting period of pheasants is 21 days. This makes spring the most critical period in the increasing of pheasant populations.

Pheasants Forever is working hard encouraging farmers to plant grasslands that enable pheasant habitat. They say many farmers are planting more crops on their land to meet increasing demands.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, a past Iowa governor, has vowed to restore the Conservation Reserve Program acreage to $32 million nationally. It's running about 31 million right now. This issue is a matter of both environment and economics for the state.

Pheasant hunters and other preservationist groups have requested even more. They say the loss of natural habitat fuels the decline of water quality. Grasslands filter pollutants from runoff and make the water safer. This is in addition to having more area for birds and animals to raise their young.

Pheasant, if cooked properly makes an exceptional quality entree. Pheasant is a darker, wild meat that should be slowly cooked [braised] to ensure tenderness and taste quality. Herbs, spices and special sauces enhance flavors and appeal when served.