If there's one common denominator in the pheasant hunting forecast business, it's an obsession with the weather. Year after year, when the time comes to start making forecasts for the coming ringneck season, the first factor that gets mentioned is the weather.

Obviously, in South Dakota the weather is always in the forefront. But there's another factor that could be even more important than the weather. That, of course, would be the "H" word. Habitat.

But first we need to understand the dynamics of upland bird populations.  

When it comes to pheasant habitat, effort should be focused on two important components:  reproduction and survival. 

The single most important habitat component needed on the landscape for successful reproduction is undisturbed nesting cover.  The most obvious source of nesting habitat is Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres, however other areas like Game Production Areas, Waterfowl Production Areas, hayfields, alfalfa, winter wheat, odd areas, pastures, and roadside ditches all can provide cover for nesting.

 .D. Pheasant Counts Up Again

PIERRE, S.D.—Favorable weather conditions and good habitat have once again combined to produce a record pheasant crop in South Dakota.

Brood count surveys conducted by the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department tallied pheasant numbers that once again hearken back to the days of the Soil Bank era in the 1950s and ’60s. Surveys that measure pheasants per mile from brood routes put the 2008 index at 8.56 pheasants per mile, a figure that’s 64 percent ahead of the 10-year average and the highest recorded since 1963.

“The survey results show a statewide increase of 9 percent in pheasant numbers,” said GFP Secretary Jeff Vonk. “That’s amazing considering the record-setting level of last year’s brood survey.”

The survey estimates are derived from 110 30-mile brood routes across South Dakota. From July 25 through August 15 traditional routes are surveyed each year using standardized methods. The result of the survey is a pheasants-per-mile index that is used to compare estimates year to year and over a 10-year time frame.

“While the statewide estimate is up, hunters should take particular note of the survey results in their local areas,” Vonk said. “Unlike last year when pheasant numbers were up all across the state, local survey results were mixed this year.”

Survey results show that pheasant production was very good in the central part of the state, as substantial increases were found in the Mobridge, Pierre, Chamberlain, and Winner areas. On the other hand, pheasant counts are down in the eastern regions of the state while overall counts in east-central regions are largely unchanged from 2007.

“Weather is always a significant factor in the health of the pheasant population and winter was mild and spring precipitation was timely,” Vonk said. “We had some concern about cool, wet conditions in late May and early June as the peak hatch approached, fortunately conditions improved and it was generally warm and dry during the brood-rearing season.”

Pheasant Types and Biological Facts

The term pheasant usually applies to large, colorful long-tailed members of the family Phasianidae. There are approximately 49 species and even more subspecies of pheasant. Pheasants originated in Asia and inhabit a wide variety of terrain from snowy mountains to steamy jungles. In North America they have been widely introduced to many areas for sport hunting. All but one species of pheasant are still found in Asia. Pheasants are similar in physiology to the chicken with stout bills. Most Pheasants have long, strong legs with four-toed clawed feet. The legs and bill are adapted to scratching in the ground for food. When a pheasant senses danger it prefers to use it's legs to run from the danger. Pheasants are able to fly swiftly, but cannot sustain flight for very long. Male Pheasants often have spurs which are used in battles for dominance. Most Pheasants are large birds with very long, pointed tails. Wings are short, rounded and curved. Males are generally larger than females and are usually more colorful.

Pheasant Hunting Techniques & Tips

When Pheasant hunting in states the pheasant harvest is limited to cocks only. However, many liscnesed game farms across the nation allow mixed pair harvest of pheasants. If you are looking for a place to hunt pheasants be sure to check out our hunting preserves location page.

In addition to the 1000's of private hunting clubs across North America almost every state offers Public hunting areas as well. These puplic hunting areas often provide very good hunting late in the season after cold weather has concentrated the birds in heavy cover.

A wide variety of techniques can be used when hunting pheasants. This is probably one of the reason pheasant hunting appeals to so many people. A lone hunter can usually hunt field edges, fencerows and small weed patches. Many enjoy the solitude and easy pace of this type of hunting. Larger blocks of cover such as standing cornfields, cattail marshes, shelterbelts and large waterways may be difficult for one hunter to cover. Several hunters working together not only find more birds, but sharing the outdoor experience with good friends can be a very important part of the hunt. Larger hunting parties have found that they can bag more birds if they post "blockers" at the far end of the field, particularly if the birds seem prone to running or flushing wild. For many hunters, it just isn't a pheasant hunt unless you have a good bird dog along. A well-trained dog is a tremendous help in locating and retrieving crafty ring-necks. Selecting a good bird dog is again a matter of personal preference. English setters, Brittany spaniels, German shorthair/wirehair pointers and Labrador retrievers seem to be some of the most popular breeds among pheasant hunters. To learn more about huning dogs please visit our hunting dogs section