2023 Pheasant Forecast: What can hunters expect in the Upper Midwest?

A common theme ran through the staff of upland biologists with Upper Midwest state agencies, as well as those who work for Pheasants Forever, when it comes to the 2023 pheasant outlook. How was the long, snowy winter going to impact the pheasant survival? Some might be surprised these tough birds handled it just fine and the warm, relatively dry spring was ideal for nesting and brood survival. This means pheasant hunters can expect a 2023 season as good or better than last fall. Here’s a look at the primary pheasant states on both sides of the Mississippi River.