DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) — New numbers from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources show that the 2024 pheasant harvest was the second-highest in nearly two decades.

Hunters bagged more than 460,000 roosters in 2024. That total was surpassed only by the harvest one year prior in 2023, with 590,000 roosters. Officials estimate that more than 77,400 people went hunting for pheasants in 2024, down from 83,600 in 2023.

Last year’s near-record season came after the August 2024 pheasant survey showed the bird’s population had declined by 14% from 2023. Officials say this was likely due to 2024’s spring flooding in northwestern Iowa.

This year’s pheasant population survey will take place next month, from August 1 to 15. During that process, DNR staff will drive 225 different 30-mile routes along gravel roads at dawn, on mornings with heavy dew. This is because hens will move their broods to the edge of the road to dry off, making them easier to count. DNR officials say they are looking forward to this year’s survey and seeing the results.

They add, this year will mark 100 years of pheasant hunting in Iowa. The first season was held October 20-22 in 1925, with an estimated 75,000 hunters taking part.

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