DNR question of the week

Q: Given the harsh conditions this winter in some areas of Minnesota -- lots of snow and bitterly cold temperatures -- what is the outlook for pheasant survival?

A: Much of Minnesota's pheasant range is covered with deep snow, limiting access to waste grain in crop fields, a primary food source for pheasants in winter.

In addition, blowing and drifting snow is gradually filling in patches of winter cover. Although pheasants are hardy birds and can survive as long as two weeks without feeding, pheasant survival will be reduced if harsh weather conditions persist.

The number of birds surviving will be determined by the duration of deep snow.

Kurt Haroldson, DNR wildlife research biologist

Tags: outdoors, pheasant, hunting