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Staff members from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources are starting their annual survey of the area’s pheasant population today.  Bill Ohde, Southeast District Wildlife Supervisor says this survey measures the abundance of upland game so they can be evaluated.  He says they have 15 days to complete the surveys counting pheasants, quail and cottontail rabbits.

They are conducted in 30-mile routes starting at sunrise on gravel roads and take place on a day that has clear skies, heavy dew and light winds conditions.  The information gathered will evaluate the population of the birds from other years.

Ohde says there are approximately 220 surveys that will be conducted across the entire state.  The results will be published after the surveys have been completed.