11/21/2005

Pheasant numbers on the increase

            Sometimes it’s easy to think of hunting as a solo sport, but you can throw that out the window when it comes to pheasant hunting which opens Dec. 1.

            These big, beautiful birds are at home in northwest Oklahoma and one of the best ways to hunt them is to get a small army of friends and family together and march across a cultivated field or native prairie.

            Populations of the popular game birds appear to be in fine shape going into the season, according to Mike Sams, upland game bird biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

            “According to our surveys, pheasant production was up 60 percent over last year,” Sams said. “In popular pheasant hunting areas like Alfalfa, Beaver, Cimarron and Texas counties, production was 28 percent over the 25 year average.”

            According to Sams, the average pheasant brood numbered 6.2 chicks, an increase from the 25 year average of 5.6 chicks. 

            The season runs December 1 through January 31, 2006, and hunters should consult the “2005-06 Oklahoma Hunting Guide” for open zones and wildlife management areas. The daily bag limit for pheasants is two cocks, with a possession limit of four after the first day and six after the second day. Pheasant hunters should note that legal shooting hours are sunrise to sunset, except on some wildlife management areas. Evidence of sex (head or one foot) must remain on the bird until it reaches its final destination. When the deer gun and the special antlerless deer seasons (in open zones) overlap with pheasant season, all pheasant hunters must wear either a hunter orange cap or vest.

            Before going afield, be sure to pick up a copy of the “2005-06 Oklahoma Hunting Guide,” available at all hunting and fishing license dealers or log onto wildlifedepartment.com.

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