Iowa’s annual pheasant survey begins August 1st, and with all the weather indicators pointing in a positive direction, hunters are eager to see the results.
The statewide survey is conducted by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources staff between August 1st-15th, who drive 225, 30-mile routes on gravel roads at dawn on mornings with heavy dew.
Hen pheasants will move their broods to the edge of the gravel road to dry off before they begin feeding, which makes them easier to count.
The August roadside survey has been conducted over the same routes since 1962.
Iowa’s pheasant season begins October 25th.
