A multitude of factors have caused the number of pheasants in Iowa to decline this year continuing a long trend in Iowa pheasant populations.  Still in the top states in the nation we've always been proud of our great pheasant population but its been better.  The loss of CRP ground that is being broken back open for farming and a rotten winter 2007-2008 are especially to blame this year.  One area in Iowa experienced an increase in the number of birds counted this year and that is northwest Iowa where they did not experience the same winter conditions the rest of Iowa did last winter. 

Each year the Iowa DNR publishes a report that every pheasant hunter should read.  My good friend and fellow auctioneer Cory Behr in North Central Iowa is a wildlife biologist and dedicated Pheasants Forever member.  Cory forwarded me a copy of the 2008 Iowa August Roadside Survey.  This report has literally everything you needed to know about pheasant populations in Iowa and should be an alarm to anybody that reads it.  The loss of CRP ground is a key element in the decline and something I'm sure we all hate to see.  Certainly it would be hard to blame producers that are enjoying great commodity prices right now because many of them have worked hard to own their farms in Iowa and worked through tough times to get where they are today.

Still, there are things we can do to slow the decline and they including leaving more habitat in other places.  One of Iowa's largest pieces of habitat is road ditches.  They take up 1% of the land mass in Iowa and I often see people mowing or burning them when it is not necessary, or at the most detrimental of times.  If you plan to burn grasses do it outside of nesting season and don't burn in the fall as the ground will sit bare during the winter providing no value to wildlife at all. 

On your farm or property is it necessary to mow everything that you do or are you just mowing it because you already have?  Could you let an acre or two go back?  Even a half an acre is an addition.  If you are not familiar with native grasses you just might find it enjoyable to learn about them and plant your own native grass patch.  You'll find by mixing grasses and forbes you can add beautiful color to your farm or acreage and get so much enjoyment out of it.  I've always found native grasses to be fascinating.  There is so much to learn from them and at the same time you are providing a great piece of habitat for birds, mice, rabbits and more.  It will give you enjoyment year after year so give it a try.  Even if its just a small strip along the lane, or part of the back yard it really will do good. 

An excellent resource that we have in each county is your local county conservation board.  Each county has one and you can always contact them for advice on projects in your area.  Each county has their own biologists and naturalist that will give you information on plants and grasses specific to your area. You can find contact infrormation for each board at the Iowa Association of County Conservation Board website.