DNR: Bump In Pheasant Numbers This Year Despite Grim Long-term Outlook

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Wildlife officials say good weather conditions led to a 33 percent increase in the number of pheasants in Minnesota compared to last year, despite long-term trends for the bird not looking good.

The Department of Natural Resources said Monday that a mild winter and a good nesting season are responsible for the bump in pheasant populations.

However, the year's pheasant index is 39 percent below the 10-year average and 59 percent below the long-term average. Researchers say habitat loss is to blame for the grim numbers.

"The future trend for pheasants, and all grassland-dependent wildlife, does not look good unless we can find ways to keep habitat on the ground," Nicole Davros, a DNR research scientist, said in a press release.

The DNR said that Minnesota has lost more than 153,000 Conservation Reserve Program acres since last year. The program has lost nearly 250,000 acres since 2007.

More than 495,000 acres could expire by 2018 if contracts are not renewed or if new acres are not enrolled in the program.