How are the pheasants? Pheasants Forever members, pheasant hunters, stay-at-home moms, highway workers, nuns, paroled individuals – it doesn't matter who or when, this is the single question I receive most.
June's chaotic weather, coinciding with the pheasant hatch, has naturally piqued people's interest in how the birds are doing. I've turned to one of PF's experts in Minnesota, regional wildlife biologist Eran Sandquist from South Haven, for the answer.
"Whether winter blizzards and -30 wind chills, heavy spring rains, embryo-killing (30 degree or 90 degree temps), triple digit summer heat or hail storms, weather plays a large part in determining the size of the pheasant population.
As of late, the biggest concern has been with hail storms. Such storms can kill both adult and young pheasants, and can leave a long path devoid of any birds. Fortunately, hail storms rarely cover more than a couple townships, and those pheasants outside the storm's path will move into and repopulate the area within a couple of years. Pheasants will easily move two or more miles a year. And if they find the habitat they need, they will stay in the new area."
Upcoming MN Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Events
· July 26 - Quail Forever Summer Habitat Meeting, Good Times Restaurant, Caledonia, 7 p.m., call Thurman at 612-588-2007
· Aug. 6-8 - Game Fair in Anoka, 9 am to 6 pm daily
· Aug. 13-15 - Game Fair continues
