Minnesota Pheasant Index Jumps 20% Before Oct. 10 Opener

Pheasant hunters heading into the Minnesota pheasant opener this fall have reason for optimism. Released September 8 by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the state’s August roadside survey clocked the statewide pheasant index at 90 birds for every 100 miles surveyed, up from 75 in 2025 — a gain of nearly 20%.

Where the birds are

The gains weren’t spread evenly. The west central region posted the biggest jump, up 74%, while central rose 25% and south central climbed 17%. Indices fell in the southeast (51%), east central (29%) and southwest (15%) regions.

Even so, the DNR is pointing hunters toward two areas above the rest. The west central and southwest regions each came in above 130 birds per 100 miles, with the southwest still among the best despite its 15% dip, and the DNR rates them the strongest bets for the season. Central and south central also rate as solid options.

Why numbers are up

Steven Woodley, DNR senior wildlife research biologist, credited the milder weather.

“The increase in the pheasant index across the state and within several regions is good news for pheasant hunters this fall,” Woodley said. “Our warmer winter likely helped the overwinter survival of hens, and the drier and warmer spring and summer created better conditions for nesting and brood-rearing relative to last year.”

Brood counts back that up. Observers tallied 93 broods per 100 hens this year, up from 82 in 2025. Each brood averaged four chicks, unchanged from last year. The median hatch date came June 11, about a week earlier than both last year and the 10-year average.

“The increase in brood numbers for a second year in a row is welcomed after their decline in 2024 due to wet spring conditions,” Woodley said.

Habitat still tightening

Good weather can lift bird numbers in any given year, but habitat drives the long-term trend, and the habitat picture continues to shrink. Minnesota lost roughly 22,500 acres of protected wildlife habitat between 2025 and 2026. The main driver was a drop of about 42,000 acres enrolled in the federal Conservation Reserve Program, which pays farmers to take environmentally sensitive land out of production and restore cover that benefits wildlife.

Some of that loss was offset. Public wildlife management areas managed by the DNR grew by about 13,000 acres over 2025, and private lands in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program rose roughly 2,000 acres. Enrollment in the Reinvest in Minnesota program held steady. The net still came out negative.

Cottontails hold strong

The roadside survey covers more than pheasants, and rabbit hunters get good news too. The cottontail index came in at 14 rabbits per 100 miles, essentially flat against last year’s 14.5 but well above the 10-year average of seven. The southwest region led the way at 24 rabbits per 100 miles.

Planning the opener

The Minnesota pheasant hunting season opens at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. The DNR also points hunters to its Walk-In Access program for private land open to public hunting.

Before you head out, pull up the current regulations and bag limits on the Minnesota DNR pheasant hunting webpage, where you’ll also find the full survey report and a map of hunting prospects.

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