SDJIM
New member
Well the numbers are in on the local PF predator control project.
First some information. SD game fish and parks says the average pheasant nest produces 8.2 chicks so for every predator you take out of the habitat
The numbers
1. Raccoon 1245
2. Coyote 225
3. Fox 62
4. Possum 51
5. Skunk 58
6. Badger 38
7. Feral Cat 15
That's a total of 1694 and assuming that each predator will destroy one pheasant nest per year that's 13890 chicks that have the potential to become adult birds. If half of them are roosters(6945)--then the potential for 2315 3 bird daily limits is there.
I know that not all of the 13890 chicks will grow up to be adults --but it's a lot more to start with and hopefully there will be a lot more hens next spring to up the population again. I bet skunks were under reported(who wants to mess with the smelly things) and that the assumption that each predator destroying one nest is LOW
All this within a 20-25 mile radius of Platte. :thumbsup:
First some information. SD game fish and parks says the average pheasant nest produces 8.2 chicks so for every predator you take out of the habitat
The numbers
1. Raccoon 1245
2. Coyote 225
3. Fox 62
4. Possum 51
5. Skunk 58
6. Badger 38
7. Feral Cat 15
That's a total of 1694 and assuming that each predator will destroy one pheasant nest per year that's 13890 chicks that have the potential to become adult birds. If half of them are roosters(6945)--then the potential for 2315 3 bird daily limits is there.
I know that not all of the 13890 chicks will grow up to be adults --but it's a lot more to start with and hopefully there will be a lot more hens next spring to up the population again. I bet skunks were under reported(who wants to mess with the smelly things) and that the assumption that each predator destroying one nest is LOW
All this within a 20-25 mile radius of Platte. :thumbsup: