Opinions on new survey method for Pheasants

[shorthairs4life]

Just as title states, I'm looking for thoughts on the new survey methods used to collect pheasant numbers.

It looks like a whole lot of thought and time was put into the process but the results were almost dead on with the mail carrier route survey data.

Bottom line numbers are up!

 

[wisturkeyhunter]

There isn't any wild pheasants in Wisconsin.

I read that on the internet so it's gotta be true.

 

[519vx]

There isn't any wild pheasants in Wisconsin.

I read that on the internet so it's gotta be true.

Ummm.....not true. There were 0.36 pheasants seen per 100 (one hundred) miles of rural road driven for the statewide average. Are there pockets that hold a few birds? Of course. But at those levels, unless someone has access to some really good private land in the "top" areas, you're in for a pretty long walk.

 

[wisturkeyhunter]

I know what the surveys say I read them every year. I also stop mail men, ups drives, and soccer moms to ask if they are seeing any pheasant and where.

I also kill a few more than .36 for every hundred miles I walk and I almost never hunt private land. They are out there.

As to the survey I don't put a ton of stock in any of them from year to year to see if numbers are up or down. I look at them to see what areas are holding the most birds but there is to many other factors and not enough birds seen to say this year is going to be higher. At least that's how I see it.

 

[Ranger Rick]

As to the survey I don't put a ton of stock in any of them from year to year to see if numbers are up or down. I look at them to see what areas are holding the most birds but there is to many other factors and not enough birds seen to say this year is going to be higher. At least that's how I see it.[/QUOTE]

I'm with you on the reliability of surveys. One year a brother went to SD with me. Survey results were for an increase in population over a previous year where we had outstanding hunting. Exact opposite when we hit the ground that year. Drought had devastated the population and cover was extremely poor. We worked hard for a few birds. He said he'd never go back and has since been very critical of any survey he sees, regardless of species or area.