Yes- northeastern MT did suffer an extreme drought and it raised heck with pheasant numbers but there were plenty of Sharpies and Huns. Snakes and porkies are always a concern. I have my pups trained to avoid porkies. Lived and hunted in MT all my life. Had one rattler bite a dog. Quick vet service saved the pup albeit quite expensive. Hope next year weather cooperates for a better ringneck hatch and survival rate.