From Iowa, but hunt SD. Generally, hunters here and in SD are optimistic because of a mild winter and then a dry spring all of which is conduce to survival of the hen through the snowy months and the chicks in the spring. Iowa’s survey should happen in a week or so. Am hoping because of the reasons mentioned, the numbers are up.
In SD, and Iowa, people have stated they were seeing more birds this spring and summer.
Part of the thinking behind canceling the early fall survey in SD is, I think, people decidIng to come or not based on that survey; for example, last year the survey showed the numbers down. This was followed by a drop in non-res hunters staying in hotels, buying gas, food, and everything else when somewhere for a week or two.
So, in part at least that’s why - SD - decided to scuttle it.
