The Crowing Post: 07/31/06
Pheasant and Quail Population Survey Begins
Soon
Most pheasant and quail hunters eagerly await the annual “Upland Bird Survey” results. The survey results often determine the expectations that we hold for the upcoming hunting season. But, how is this much anticipated survey conducted and what does it actually tell us?
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission actually use two different surveys to compile the final results, the August Roadside Survey and the Rural Mail Carrier Survey. Both surveys provide a snapshot of wildlife populations across the state.
Rural Mail
Carrier Survey:
Since
1951 this survey, as the name implies, has
been conducted by Rural Mail Carriers. Each
year in April, July, and October the NGPC
asks these folks to observe and count
wildlife during the course of their normal
deliveries. Information is collected on the
types and numbers of wildlife observed
during the three survey periods. In a
typical year around 500 surveys will be
conducted over several thousand miles of
rural Nebraska roads. The exact timing and
method of conducting the survey has changed
from time to time since it began but, it
still provides an important snapshot of
wildlife populations.
August Roadside
Survey:
Started in 1995, the August Roadside Survey
is the other main tool the NGPC has to
determine how upland bird populations are
doing across the state. Beginning August 1st
thru the 15th NGPC staff will
survey 81 different survey routes. These 30
mile routes are driven at 20 miles per
hour. When upland birds are observed every
effort is made to get a complete count of
the adults and young. Observers try to run
the routes on mornings with heavy dew to
ensure the conditions are good for observing
birds on the roadside. The same routes are
run each year around the same time of the
year to ensure that results and conditions
are comparable from year to year.
Even though both of these surveys actually count the number of birds seen, they are not designed to provide a definitive count of Nebraska’s bird populations. The surveys do, however, provide a tool to wildlife managers to compare wildlife populations from one year to another and they are useful to indicate population trends. They can also help hunters to predict what their upcoming season will hold compared to last year and years past. Typically, NGPC biologists are able to compile and publish the results of the surveys around September 1st.
It is important to remember that if we want to increase pheasant and quail populations we need to continue to improve the quality and quantity of habitat. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever chapters across Nebraska are working with private landowners, the NGPC, USDA, and all of our partners to provide as much quality habitat as possible. This habitat work would not be possible without the support of bird hunters and those who want to see more wildlife now and in the future. Without your support of PF and QF our important habitat work would not be possible. Please support your local chapter.
habitat today….pheasants forever!