The Crowing Post:  11/27/06

Bird Hunting Success Mixed After First Month

After the first month of pheasant and quail season, hunters across the state report mixed success.  Due to a late harvest and unseasonably warm weather, pheasants had many places to hide from hunters.  Standing crops are great escape cover for pheasants, and warm weather can distribute birds in almost any type of cover.

However, there is a silver lining in the fact that crops remained in the fields throughout November.  As the majority of the hunting pressure in the state occurs in the first two weeks of the season, fewer birds were harvested due to standing grain.  With the crops out and a little winter weather to concentrate birds into heavier cover, hunters should find good success in December and January.

Although some hunters reported below average success in the first month for pheasants, quail hunters in the southeast and south central part of the state are reporting above average quail success.  Good spring nesting weather and quality cover can be attributed to the increase in quail numbers in these regions. 

 habitat today….pheasants forever!