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A deep look into Iowa’s 2023 roadside count, one of the best for pheasants in years

The 2022 pheasant opener was successful in northwest Iowa, and projections are for an even better opener in 2023. (Photo by Steve Weisman)

Iowa’s 2023 August Roadside Count data is out, and pheasant hunters across the Hawkeye state received excellent news relating to this year’s pheasant season. The statewide survey showed the highest statewide counts since 2015. The survey is conducted by Iowa DNR staff between Aug. 1-15, as they drive 218, 30-mile routes on gravel roads at dawn on mornings with heavy dew.
The statewide average was 22.5 birds per route, which is an increase of 15% over 2022 (19.5 birds) and also 17% above the 10-year trend.
“The bird counts were better than we thought in northwest and northeastern Iowa,” said Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife research biologist with the Iowa DNR. “In the northeast, that is the highest that region has seen in 24 years.”

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