Show Pheasant hunt analyzed Excellent weather conditions during the opening weekend of pheasant season contributed to the than expected hunter success which appears to be comparable to last years year's results despite lower statewide pheasant populations I IN GENERAL Preliminary field checks by bythe bythe bythe the Division of Wildlife Resources indicate hunters in northwestern Utah experienced more success in the early 75 season than in 1974 The improved improved im im- im proved success however i it it estimated solely on field bag checks taken during the first weekend of hunting Action was comparable to last year in the northern central centrals and southwestern regions The southern region experienced less action than was recorded in the previous season HUNTERS DECREASE Reports indicate substantially substantially sub sub- decreased hunting pressure in most areas The reduction in hunters was ex expected expected expected ex- ex due largely to relatively low hunter success last season and to the forecast of low pheasant populations throughout the state Total harvest because of the reduced hunter pressure will in all probability be less than in 1974 Last ast yea birds were harvested from Utah fields Final harvest figures for the 1975 pheasant season will be available in February following the return of questionnaires mailed to sportsmen participating participating participating par par- in this years year's hunt |