I have determined that there is little expansion base in habitat. Let me explain, and there are probably a better description from a wildlife biologist somewhere.... For instance lets say in Iowa, you have spectacular piece of habitat,unless that habitat is a large area, which supports the birds through all seasons, including hunting season, with the ability to relieve the birds from pressure, it will hold only a certain number of birds. Might not hold any at all if it is segmented in a small parcel. For a huntable population you need travel corridors of superior habitat, with in travel distance from each other. If you had a section of habitat all together, it will eventually have limitations. On the other hand if you had 40@ spread across 16 adjoining sections. you expand what other limited habitat exists in all 16, and provide a beginning. If more habitat is available, later, super productivity will fill the new habitat. Pheasant are also unique, in that they gravitate to superior habitat. So in areas where there is a sizable population, there will be birds, usually young, hanging on in less that perfect habitat, able to survive till a predator, rainy freezing cold, eliminates them. The bird you harvest will make available "space" at the Inn! Almost immediately that habitat spot will be occupied by a new arrival. It's the explanation of a "honey hole" every week you take birds out of a draw or hedgerow, sometimes we assume that this section of ground has huge numbers,more likely new birds taking advantage of the opportunity! Uguide, on your properties, because of habitat requirements, you are able to provide good huntable populations throughout the season, excellent production, but a lot are semi-migratory birds from around sections which have some production but not the palace you laid out! I am sure some wise ones cross the fence and sit the neighbors spindly little fence, or an out building, or hunkered under crop residue, the fly back at dusk to the Inn! It would be worth the price just to see it.
