PIERRE, S.D.
(AP) — A South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department survey has determined that this summer’s drought influenced the state’s declining pheasant population.
Senior game biologist Travis Runia said some areas were expected to see a decline due to the severe drought conditions.
But he said he’s surprised that eastern South Dakota saw a significant decline in bird numbers.
"It’s not unusual to have drought in South Dakota and many times when we’ve had it, it’s not a major factor," Runia said.
"One thing that did happen this year was the drought started very early, as early as April and May."
Pheasant hunting season for the state begins Oct. 21 and runs through Jan. 7.
Runia expects the population decline to impact the number of nonresident hunters traveling to the state this year.
Several acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program are opened for emergency haying or grazing because of the drought.
——— Information from: The Daily Republic, http://www.mitchellrepublic.com Copyright 2017 The Associated Press.