State wildlife experts are forecasting a banner year for pheasant hunters in Iowa this fall. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ annual August roadside survey found the statewide pheasant population is at a 20-year high. 

The mild winter contributed to excellent adult hen and adult rooster survival, said Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife research biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 

Iowa farmers also are aiding the growing wildlife populations by creating more habitat through conservation practices like buffer strips, grassed waterways, wetlands and pollinator habitat. To cite just one example, last year the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) announced a partnership with Ducks Unlimited to construct up to 60 water quality wetlands, which  provide excellent habitat for wildlife, said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. 

The 2025 DNR roadside survey found a significant increase in pheasant nests, which Bogenschutz said helped offset lower chick survival due to wet weather later in the nesting season.

Statewide, DNR staff reported 1,038 pheasant broods, which is 338 more than last year. The statewide average of 28 birds per route is the highest since 2005. 

Regionally, the northwest reg­ion was the highest since 2005, northeast region was the highest since 1998, east central the highest since 2007, south central the highest since 2017 and southeast the highest since 2020.

I've interviewed many farmers over the years who cite increased wildlife habitat as one of their motivations for implementing conservation practices. It's gratifying to see their efforts rewarded.