Pheasant season is nearly half way over, but hunters can still enjoy the hunt if they want to.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Jeremy King says that while the summer count on pheasants was a little lower than last year, be believes that because of dry conditions they weren’t able to get as many days where they could get a good count, and that pheasants are out in similar numbers as last year. He mentions that throughout the season so far, he’s seen many hunters who are having some good luck.

“Hunters saw a good number of birds early. They harvested a good number of birds even out recently in public land. I was checking people that were still having success harvesting birds on public land. So the best is yet to come, honestly.”

King tells Raccoon Valley Radio that pheasant hunters shouldn’t put their gear away yet either, as they should still be able to harvest birds throughout the rest of the season. He adds that as temperatures start to get colder, hunters should get some warmer gear on, and continue to follow regulations, and they should be able to continue to enjoy the hunt.