2008 South Dakota Pheasant Hunting Outlook Forecast - March

March 19, 2008 by UGUIDE

Having had conversations with various landowners that run UGUIDE Pheasant Camps around the state this winter, the reports have been good on the weather front. That equates to good news on the pheasant front in terms of higher than average carryover rates. High carryover means more hens for nesting this spring, healthier hens and more adult, mature and "trophy" birds (big spurs) for next fall's pheasant hunting season. Recent wet snows only help the nesting conditions as it will create the necessary moisture for good grass conditions in pastures and CRP. There has been a significant reduction in CRP acres across the Dakotas and an impact from those losses of acres and how it will affect pheasant production won't be seen until mid to late summer. Right now all eyes are on spring nesting conditions and the results of the much anticipated farm bill negotiations. Stay tuned for a early summer nesting update from UGUIDE.