ONAWA, Iowa (KCAU) — Iowa is celebrating its 100th year of pheasant-hunting this fall, and experts say it's looking like a great season for beginners. According to an Iowa DNR survey, the pheasant population has reached a 20-year high.

Iowa DNR officials said this is the perfect year for beginner hunters.

"It's looking like a fantastic season for pheasant hunters," said Stacey Bragg, Iowa DNR state conservation officer.

According to the Iowa DNR's Roadside Survey, conservationists saw a 43% increase in pheasant numbers in 2025 compared to 2024.

Officials said these numbers are due to a mild winter and dry spring.

"The main thing is how much nesting cover they have, and then on top of that is basically two other factors; spring rains, how much cold wet rain we get during April and May

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