(Lewis) The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ annual roadside pheasant count starts tomorrow.
Bryan Hayes, with the DNR Office in Lewis, says the statewide survey is conducted by DNR staff between August 1-15.
Hayes says DNR staff drive the same 218, 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. In addition to pheasants, and quail, the survey collects data on partridge, cottontails, and jackrabbits.
The results will be posted online at iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey in early September. Iowa’s pheasant season starts on October 28.
