JMBZ71
Member
On another forum, I've raised the question on a couple of threads questioning why States don't extend hunting seasons when bird numbers are high. Pheasants Forever supports the argument that extended hunting seasons would have no measurable impact on carry-over or future pheasant populations. Here's a few excerpts and the link to their article.
Are there any reasons for an earlier season?
Yes! Population loss is continual. Earlier seasons allow birds that otherwise succumb to predation or other mortality to be utilized for hunting recreation. However, the progression of crop harvest and potential for unpleasantly warm weather are important consideration in an early opener.
Does changing closing dates affect the population?
The argument has been made that closing hunting seasons earlier will prevent birds from being flushed from good winter cover into marginal areas where they are vulnerable to winter storms and predation. This may occur in some cases. However, because of diminishing returns to hunters as the season progresses, later season closures have a minimal effect on current or future pheasant populations. Simply put, fewer people hunt in late season and affect only scattered pockets of cover.
What is the effect of restricting bags?
Reducing bag limits will have little effect on pheasant populations. In most states, seasonal bag per hunter is only 2-4 birds. The only reason to reduce bags is to more equally distribute harvest among hunters. Considering the majority of hunters are active only during the first two weeks of the season, the effect of restricting daily bag limits would be minimal.
Link:
http://www.pheasantsforever.org/page...tofhunting.jsp
Accepting the PF position, what reasons do you guys think the pheasant belt States have for not extending the season, particularly when bird numbers are high? If they're not ecological, they must be political.
Are there any reasons for an earlier season?
Yes! Population loss is continual. Earlier seasons allow birds that otherwise succumb to predation or other mortality to be utilized for hunting recreation. However, the progression of crop harvest and potential for unpleasantly warm weather are important consideration in an early opener.
Does changing closing dates affect the population?
The argument has been made that closing hunting seasons earlier will prevent birds from being flushed from good winter cover into marginal areas where they are vulnerable to winter storms and predation. This may occur in some cases. However, because of diminishing returns to hunters as the season progresses, later season closures have a minimal effect on current or future pheasant populations. Simply put, fewer people hunt in late season and affect only scattered pockets of cover.
What is the effect of restricting bags?
Reducing bag limits will have little effect on pheasant populations. In most states, seasonal bag per hunter is only 2-4 birds. The only reason to reduce bags is to more equally distribute harvest among hunters. Considering the majority of hunters are active only during the first two weeks of the season, the effect of restricting daily bag limits would be minimal.
Link:
http://www.pheasantsforever.org/page...tofhunting.jsp
Accepting the PF position, what reasons do you guys think the pheasant belt States have for not extending the season, particularly when bird numbers are high? If they're not ecological, they must be political.
