KSH, I think you're right with regard to the reasons why we're seeing a decrease in pheasant populations. That being said, I think the biggest reason over the last 4 years has been the drought. Land practices have actually gotten better in many parts of the state. No-till is becoming very popular in the NW and NC parts of the state.

We've always had avian and non-flying preditors. But the loss of habitat due to poor weather has given the birds no place to hide. Turkeys have been blamed but they we're around before we shot them all out the first time. Bobcats, hawks, coyotes, skunks, o'possums, and racoons had excellent populations as well. We've all heard about "the guy" who shot a turkey and found quail chicks in it. Or about "the guy" that saw a turkey eating quail chicks while turkey hunting. Simply put, turkey season is BEFORE nesting season.

I think when we get back to "normal" weather patterns, we'll begin to see an increase in populations. I agree it's puzzling to see an increase in quail populations when the pheasant is not as fragile. On the other hand, we have to remember that quail and pheasant hatch at different times (peak hatch is about 2 weeks apart). Late June is much warmer and dryer than early June (specially this year).

Weather plays a VERY important role during hatch time. the NE has had cold wet springs for the last 7 years. The SE has had VERY wet springs and very hot dry summers for the last 5 years (execpt this year). The SW had record drought and heat this year and the SC portion of the state had excellent rainfall throughout the summer.

The losses due to heat stress are staggering. When the temp.rises above 96 degrees, both chick AND adult mortality skyrocket. The high temps during June, July, and August have exceeded 100 degrees for weeks in a row in many places. If you'll notice, most of the birds you've shot this year are adults (1 year or more old). This indicates a high loss of young or weaker birds due to "something". The only thing capable of this type of loss throughout the state is weather.

Habitat is the key. With the lack of cover the carrying capacity in Kansas is at an all time low. Only precipation and time can bring back the birds. We are at the mercy of the federal government with CRP and other "set aside" programs with regard to habitat. The state can't pay enough to make it worth a farmer's while to leave habitat for the birds.

The good news is that there are plenty of birds left for breeding stock. In the west where cover is non-existant, I spoke to a hunting buddy the other day that extimated over 500 birds coming out of a single draw. This is in an area where we had seen fewer than 50 birds ALL SEASON.

I've hunted every region of the state this year (twice in you're home area) and have seen and shot birds. Like you, it's taking me much longer to get a bird than it used to, but it at least tells me that there are birds out there for breeding.

Unfortunately, overall breeding stock are low enough that it's going to take 3 to 5 years to bring birds back to even average populations. This year the federal government allowd CRP to be hayed and grazed in counties declared to have "emergency" drought conditions. Then, when the rains didn't come in the fall, the goverment extended the deadline for haying and grazing from August 30 to November 30. The haying and grazing on CRP land will greatly reduce nesting and brood habitat next spring delaying the best nesting opportunities until Spring of 2004.....if the weather is conducive to a good hatch.

Bottom line, it's gonna be awhile until we have decent numbers of birds again.

Edited by - Fred H on 01/07/2003 11:41:58

Edited by - Fred H on 01/07/2003 11:47:25