(KNOX) – The North Dakota Game and Fish Department released it’s 2026 spring pheasant crowing count survey. They recorded 23.2 crows per stop statewide, which is a 9% increase from 2025.
The survey results show that the southwest had 32.7 crows per stop, which is up 5% from 2025. The northwest had at 4 percent increase of 22.2 crows per stop. The southeast went up 24 percent with 23.1 crows per stop and the northeast increased by 43 percent with 9.3 crows per stop. (The northeast is not a primary pheasant region)
Crowing counts are taken each spring, as observers are driving set routes and counting roosters heard at predetermined stops. The data is compared year-over-year to track population trends.
These results come as the department’s annual aerial pronghorn survey is scheduled to start June 28 and wrap up within two weeks. Western North Dakota residents might notice a small aircraft flying low over the region.
The survey is used to determine pronghorn abundance, herd demographics, and fawn production. This data will affect the total number of licenses issued for the fall hunting season.
The department is also reminding the public that fireworks can’t be used on all state wildlife management areas. The survey will be happening amid the July 4th holiday.
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