Click on the image above or here to visit the DNR’s Pheasant Hunting page.
The 2025 survey-wide pheasant index (75.2 birds/100 mi) was nearly 50% greater than in 2024 (51.2
birds/100 mi). A mild winter with little snow likely helped the overwinter survival of roosters and hens.
Additionally, spring conditions across the state were drier and warmer, creating better conditions for
nesting and early brood-rearing. Pheasant indices increased in every region. The biggest increase from
2024 was in the Southeast region (189%), followed by the Southwest (86%), East Central (82%), South
Central (40%), Central (33%), and West Central (19%) regions. Indices for other species showed
variability among regions. The survey-wide gray partridge index (2.2 birds/100 mi) was greater than in
2024 (1.8 birds/100 mi), but below the 10-year average (2.8 birds/100 mi). The survey-wide mourning
dove index (136.7 doves/100 mi) for 2025 decreased by 4% compared to 2024 (142.1 doves/100 mi) and
was 3% below the 10-year average (142.4 doves/100 mi). Survey-wide, eastern cottontail rabbit index
(14.5 rabbits/100 mi) increased from 2024 (8.8 rabbits/100 mi) and is above the 10-year average (6.2
rabbits/100 mi) and the long-term average (6.1 rabbits/100 mi. The 2025 white-tailed deer survey-wide
index (36.9 deer/100 mi) rose by 16% from 2024 (31.8 deer/100 mi) and was 27% greater than the 10
year average.
