(Des Moines) The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will start its roadside bird surveys on August 1st through the 15th. These surveys are the primary way the DNR estimates small game bird, usually pheasant and quail, populations.
Every county will have a minimum of two 30-mile routes. John Lorenzen with the The Iowa Department of Natural Resources explains the importance of having consistent routes every year.
The best time to conduct the survey is in the early mornings when there is heavy dew, little to no wind, and clear, sunny skies.
Last year, the statewide average of pheasants was 28 per route, a record high in the last two decades. These counts help estimate whether the species’ populations are increasing or decreasing, as well as set hunting expectations and regulations for the upcoming season this fall.
Survey results will be available on the DNR website once completed.
