Iowa

When does Iowa’s pheasant season open? Here’s the bird outlook for this fall

Published

12 months ago

October 16, 2024

Press Room

When does Iowa’s pheasant season open? Here’s the bird outlook for this fall

Iowa’s pheasant hunting opens this month after one of the strongest seasons the state has seen since 2007.

There were an estimated 83,600 pheasant hunters participating in the 2023 season. The highest bird populations are expected to be in west-central and northwest regions, followed by central and north-central Iowa.

As the fall harvest nears completion, hunters can expect more bird sightings. Roughly one-third of the pheasant harvest takes place within the first nine days of the season, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

When does Iowa pheasant season open?

The pheasant hunting season in Iowa begins Oct. 26 and lasts until Jan. 10.

When is the youth Iowa pheasant hunting season?

Pheasant hunting in Iowa starts with designated time for youth hunters to try to bag some birds. The youth season is Oct. 19-20. During this time, pheasant hunting is open to those 15 years old and younger.

More: Deer hunting season in Iowa is fast approaching. With new rules, here is what to know:

What is the outlook for the upcoming pheasant season in Iowa?

Statewide pheasant populations were found to have 19 birds per 30-mile route, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ annual August roadside survey. This is a decline from previous years, likely due to the wetter-than-normal spring during nesting season. Those hunting in Iowa can expect a harvest between 350,000 to 400,00 roosters, according to the IDNR.

“We’ve had a population that could support this level of harvest, but until last year we didn’t have the hunter numbers,” said Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

How many pheasants were bagged in Iowa last season?

More than 590,000 pheasants were bagged last fall. Strong populations accounted for the 62% increase in harvest. This also resulted in a 32% increase in the number of pheasant hunters, according to the DNR. More than 83,600 hunters pursued pheasants in Iowa in comparison to the 63,500 pheasant hunters in 2022.

The drought and mild winters helped ground nesting birds including turkeys and pheasants, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

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Iowa

Iowa Rep. Shannon Lundgren joins growing 2nd District GOP field

Published

7 days ago

September 23, 2025

Press Room

Iowa Rep. Shannon Lundgren joins growing 2nd District GOP field

Iowa Rep. Shannon Lundgren, R-Peosta, announced her run for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District Tuesday, joining a growing field of Republicans aiming to take the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson. In a social media post Tuesday morning, Lundgren announced her U.S. House campaign, kicking off by stating her early support for President Donald […]

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Iowa

Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson launches campaign for U.S. Senate

Published

2 weeks ago

September 14, 2025

Press Room

Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson launches campaign for U.S. Senate

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Republican U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson officially launched her campaign for U.S. Senate at the Radisson Hotel in Cedar Rapids on Sunday.

“In the Senate, I will fight to make America look more like Iowa,” Hinson said. “Here, we know the difference between boys and girls. We know that families deserve to keep more of what they earn, and we know the people, not the government, always come first,” she said.

Right now, Ashley Hinson represents northeast Iowa’s 2nd District in Congress.

She’s running to replace Republican Senator Joni Ernst, who announced earlier this month she would not run for re-election.

“Ashley Hinson gives me hope. Someone that I know fights for me. Someone that has my back. And somebody that will have your back,” the Jones County Sheriff, Greg Graveler said about Hinson.

Hinson told Sunday’s crowd she wants to keep deporting illegal immigrants, cut taxes, and defend farmers in agriculture.

She also addressed Democrats who she said may consider her an extremist.

“If it’s extreme to want parents in charge of our kids’ education, if it’s extreme to want safe borders and safe streets, if it’s extreme to believe that there are only two genders, then they can go ahead and call me whatever they want,” Hinson said.

While Hinson will face plenty of competition for the Senate spot from other Republicans and Democrats, she said she’s confident in her campaign.

“We can only deliver on these critical wins, and make America safer and stronger for a generation to come if we win this seat. Or correction – when we win this seat,” Hinson said.

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