So to get to the point of this thread, I have been out quite a few times with the dog for conditioning over the course of the summer. We have been to different corners of the state including SW mn and around my home in Wright county, and i have to say that I don't agree with the low numbers. The roadside survey is not an all inclusive survey of the population and should by no means be taken as fact. Everywhere i have walked i have found birds and in pretty good numbers. I am also still seeing, as long ago as yesterday, Birds that are still just very very small. So small that I have to believe they were just hatching during the time period the dnr was out doing the roadside surveys. I have a feeling that if your willing, its going to be a good season. One thing i am not aware of, not sure if the DNR shares this or not, is the routes of these surveys. If there is decreased habitat along these routes then duh, of course the counts will be down. I too have heard people say they cant believe there are no pheasants, then i walk and say, ha b.s.
As for getting out this weekend, I happened to plan my wedding for pheasant opener.....Great way continue the building itch right? Good luck to everyone out there this weekend! The best time of the year is here, get out and enjoy it!