Hunted Graham, Rooks, Trego, Gove, Ness and Hodgeman counties Jan 10 - 14.
Shot 6 Roosters and 2 quail on whias. Didn't miss a pheasant, however never fired a shot on days 3,4, and 5.
Walked approximately 8.5 to 10.5 miles daily rotating 3 setters regularly.
Pheasant densities are very low, i suspect due to the severe drought. My expectations were low, but I thought my success would be better.
The amount of CRP conversion to cropland is disappointing. One afternoon I drove to 29 whias in Southern Trego and Gove counties that were converted to cropland. Estimate the acreage conversion was close to 5,000 acres.
Feel like KFWP needs to include a new theme in the whia atlas legend to include cropland. Failure to do so is disingenuous at best. Nearly all of the converted grassland whias converted to cropland wouldn't support a pheasant. The lack of grassland and brood habitats in the vicinity just wouldn't sustain a population.
I understand the plight of landowners electing to convert CRP contracts as they expire or arent renewed by USDA to cropland in favor of a higher financial return.
Talked to a KDWP wildlife biologist who was less than enthusiastic when I asked him questions about brood survey results and habitat conditions. Sure glad I made 2 trips to South Dakota in October and November.
Hunted Kansas many times in the past and always enjoyed myself. However, not sure I will return there next year.
Attached are photos of my setters. Feel bad that my season is over till next October. Hunted them nearly 35 days this fall.