Iowa expects record-low pheasant harvest in 2010
DES MOINES (AP) – Iowa has recorded the state’s second straight lowest-ever pheasant hunt harvest.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says about 74,000 pheasant hunters harvested about 271,000 pheasants when last season ended Jan. 10. Authorities say that number is a 29 percent decline from the previous season.
And Iowa wildlife officials say they expect the trend will continue.
Records show that pheasant populations decline when winter snow accumulations are more than 27 inches.
Todd Bogenschutz is an upland wildlife biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. He says Iowa’s average snowfall last winter was 47 inches.