Watch: Pheasant Crowing Counts Early Indicators of Population Rebound

After two mild winters and well-timed spring rains, North Dakota’s pheasants are bouncing back in a big way. Biologist R.J. Gross from Game and Fish reports that overwinter survival is up and breeding roosters are crowing in strong numbers—especially in the southwest, where counts hit their highest levels since 2016. While threats like hail and habitat loss still loom, pheasants are proving resilient, even in less traditional areas. The real picture will come into focus this fall, but for now, it’s a hopeful season for upland hunters and conservationists alike.