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Minnesota DNR’s Roadside Survey Shows Pheasant Numbers Up From Last Year

By Alex Carmenaty Sep 14, 2026 | 7:41 AM

(KNOX/Learfield) – The Minnesota DNR’s annual roadside survey shows that pheasant numbers are up nearly 20 percent from last year. This is an increase from about 75 to 90 birds per 100 miles driven. Brood numbers also went up 39 percent. Wildlife officials credit a mild winter along with warmer, drier spring conditions that provided better nesting and chick-rearing conditions. The strongest pheasant numbers were found in west-central, southwest, south-central, and central Minnesota. The statewide pheasant season opens October 10th.

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