The Crowing Post
September 21, 2009

Nebraska 2009 Upland Game Hunting Outlook

The following forecast is based on spring and summer upland-game population surveys, including the April and July Rural Mail Carrier Surveys, the Northern Bobwhite Whistle Count Survey, and the Prairie Grouse Breeding Ground Survey.  In addition, district biologists provided input on conditions on-the-ground that were used to refine the recommendations based on survey results.  Staff input included the amount of public access, regional weather events that could have impacted populations, and general range conditions.  The descriptions below reflect the best available information regarding the relative abundances of small and upland game species among the regions of Nebraska, but cannot be used to predict hunting conditions or local population densities at any single location within a region.

RING-NECKED PHEASANTS
A generally mild winter followed by a warm spring provided favorable conditions for over-winter survival and production.  Results from the April and July Rural Mail Carrier Surveys indicate higher or similar abundances compared to 2008.  Pheasant numbers were highest in the Southwest, Northeast, and Panhandle regions (see pheasant boundary map).  Abundance in the Southwest region appeared particularly good this summer.   Although only a few of the top counties in the Southwest are listed on the reverse, district staff indicated hunting should be good in most areas of the district.  In the Northeast, frequent observations of broods have been made in areas with permanent grasslands, such as CRP.  CRP-MAP availability has changed, so hunters in the Northeast should scout out areas beforehand to make sure areas available last year are still available.  Increased rainfall in the Panhandle has improved habitat conditions throughout the region, but access for hunting is better in the northern portion of the region.

NORTHERN BOBWHITE
The favorable weather condition mentioned above for pheasants also benefited bobwhite populations.  Results from the April and July Rural Mail Carrier Surveys indicated substantial increases in bobwhite abundance in the Southeast, North Central, and East Central bobwhite management zones compared to 2008 (see bobwhite zone map on reverse). The bobwhite whistle count also indicated increases in abundance for the Southeast and North Central zones compared to last year, which had the highest overall abundances based on both surveys. In the Southeast, reports from biologists and landowners support survey results showing above average abundances this year.  

PRAIRIE GROUSE (SHARP-TAILED GROUSE & GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKEN)
Based on the breeding ground survey, spring sharp-tailed grouse abundance in the Sandhills was similar to 2008, but greater prairie-chicken abundance in the Sandhills was greater than last year.  Prairie chicken abundance in the Southeast was also similar to last year, based on results from the breeding ground survey.  The July Rural Mail Carrier Survey indicated that abundances were similar or higher in all regions of the state except the Northeast.  Abundance was highest in the Sandhills and Central regions (see pheasant boundary map on reverse). A limited number of permits is available on a first-come-first-served basis for prairie grouse harvest east of Highway 81.  Contact the Lincoln office for more information on the East Zone permits.

COTTONTAILS
Cottontail abundance was generally lower in 2009 compared to 2008, except for the Central and Southwest regions (see pheasant boundary map on reverse). The highest abundances observed on the Rural Mail Carrier Survey were observed in the Central, Southwest, and Southeast regions, in decreasing order.

Pheasant Forecast 2009 - pdf