SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — Move over South Dakota, the Rushmore State is not the only state to boast a substantial pheasant population.

According to a report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa's pheasant population is at a 20-year high. DNR officials say the mild winter we had recently is likely a major factor.

Their most recent map shows that the northwestern part of Iowa has especially seen good and excellent numbers of pheasants.

Officials say if hunter participation this year is similar to last year, hunters could bag 600,000 to 700,000 birds. This comes as this year marks the 100th year there will be a pheasant hunting season in Iowa.

For more information about the DNR's pheasant survey, click here.

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