Rain and pheasants?

This recent rain has been good for the lakes and dry areas around, but what is everyones opinion on when we need it to stop so it does not mess with the spring hatch?

I can’t wait for the fishing opener but next falls hunting season is right around the corner also

Thanks

The bottom line is that it depends on the habitat. If pheasants nest only in ditches or waterways they can fill with rain and drown the eggs… not good. With good CRP around they are above the rains effects in most cases.

Also once they begin hatching then the young are very susceptable to pneumonia for several days until they can regulate their own body temps… the peek of the hatch is usually around mid-June so we have some time yet – but keep in mind that they lay eggs for about 2 weeks before beginning to sit on eggs for 21-24 days… so we are likely already having hens starting to lay eggs… it would help if it would warm up a bit and have the rains be slow and warm until the first of July. Do keep in mind that pheasants are persistant nesters though – so if they lose a clutch they can and do renest – but each renesting results in a reduced brood size – so the more early nests that make it completely the better the odds for a significant hatch. Wishing you luck with good weather for the hatches. Chuckles

The bottom line is that it depends on the habitat. If pheasants nest only in ditches or waterways they can fill with rain and drown the eggs… not good. With good CRP around they are above the rains effects in most cases.

Also once they begin hatching then the young are very susceptable to pneumonia for several days until they can regulate their own body temps… the peek of the hatch is usually around mid-June so we have some time yet – but keep in mind that they lay eggs for about 2 weeks before beginning to sit on eggs for 21-24 days… so we are likely already having hens starting to lay eggs… it would help if it would warm up a bit and have the rains be slow and warm until the first of July. Do keep in mind that pheasants are persistant nesters though – so if they lose a clutch they can and do renest – but each renesting results in a reduced brood size – so the more early nests that make it completely the better the odds for a significant hatch. Wishing you luck with good weather for the hatches. Chuckles

Far to early to worry. They are not nesting right now anyways and if a few are, and they lose their nest then they will re-nest up to 2 more times until they get the job done .
I would worry more in 3-4 weeks if we get some real soaker rains …RR

Yep, it’s a little early yet. Early rains like we’ve had can actually help move the hens towards higher ground for nesting. I have watched a group of pheasant one day down along a river bottom field, poured that night, the next day they were all across the road on higher ground.

Their peak nesting period is is in May, overall the majority running April through June, sometimes renesting 3-4 times. Although they can and at times will nest anywhere from March through August, but these are only a small percentage.

I worry more about the yotes and ferel cats than the weather, at least I have some control over them.

BIRDDOG

Yep, it’s a little early yet. Early rains like we’ve had can actually help move the hens towards higher ground for nesting. I have watched a group of pheasant one day down along a river bottom field, poured that night, the next day they were all across the road on higher ground.

Their peak nesting period is is in May, overall the majority running April through June, sometimes renesting 3-4 times. Although they can and at times will nest anywhere from March through August, but these are only a small percentage.

I worry more about the yotes and ferel cats than the weather, at least I have some control over them.

BIRDDOG