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.

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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.