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Show Page 12 - THE HERALD, Provo, Utah, eptemDer HUNTING, Wednesday, IW Jffl, fl r mm mmi mmmmiw OJ ; nQ rt m By JOHN BEST Herald Correspondent : The forecast for this year's pheasant hunt is slightly better .than last year, and last year was poor. In fact, it was the worst year since 1948. A mild spring and receding lake ; are the only thing pheas; waters ants have going for them. ; Unfortunately there are many : things going against pheasants which means the long range forecast for pheasants is dismal. Pheasants have too many things going against them, says Jay Wildlife Upland Game Coordinator. "The biggest problem is loss of habitat. Development of homes, subdivisions and rural has severely impacted prime pheasant habitat. This trend will continue in the future." Modern farming techniques are also disastrous to pheasant?. Larger tracts of land leaves fewer fences, which are used as prime nesting sites. Irrigation with sprinklers rather than ditches eliminates more cover and nesting habitat. More efficient farm equipment cleans crops from fields with very little stubbie. The end result of all of these factors is a decreased carrying capacity of the land for pheasants and other wildlife species. Federal and state programs offering subsidies to farmers who plant their land in preferred grasses may some day help turn the Rob-erso- n, ran-chet- ts A rswmi . mm-- Photo: America Outdoon Under certain circumstances, pheasants can be hunted without a dog, but it is not recommended especially in heavy cover. oooooooooooooooooooooo 8- W Even the hardest-workin- i t & J I John Best photo bird dog deserves a good rest from the rigors of Utah's pheasant hunt. g II m. laJ ti.il villi r.irjTji' ri mill mm mm uiiiu, 07 0sr3TA 01 lu E We Have 4x4 decreasing population trends around. The present decreasing ice up to ten hens, and our ratios have been around one cock for every five hens. These studies show a decrease in hunting wouldn't necessarily increase production," says Roberson. Private hunting farms are gaining in popularity for Utah pheasant hunters. A few years ago there were only 15 private hunting farms registered in Utah. Today there are 35. On a private hunting farm, owners raise their own pheasants and can generate higher populations. Hunters are attracted by the increased chance of getting birds. Owners of private hunting farms can also set their own season length as long as it is within state guidelines. Their seasons can be set between Sept. 1 and March 31. The following regional forecasts are provided by DWR game biologists: In the central region pheasant populations appear to be about the same or slightly larger than population trend shows a steady three percent decline each year since I960. Last year was the worst year in I Utah for pheasant hunting since 1948 according to Roberson. The state average was 10 birds taken for every 100 hours of hunting last season. Utah County had a slightly higher average of 24 birds per 100 hours, and was one of the highest areas in the state in success ratios. Even with the forecast of hard ; hunting to find only a few birds, hunters are still anxious to try. Estimates are for 55,000 to 60,000 hunters pursuing pheasants on opening morning. This is Utah's second most popular hunt, coming in behind the rifle deer season. Roberson says the heavy hunting pressure doesn't severely impact populations. "Pheasants are a polygamous species and we allow a harvest of only roosters. Our studies show one rooster can serv- ; : 1989. In 1989 DWR counts" showed per mile. In 1990 the count was 1.3 birds per mile. The 1989 counts for brood size was 4.7, and in 1990 it was 5.0. The southern region of the state reports a hunt similar to last year with a downward trend. In the northern region populaavertions remain below long-terfor forecast is The poor ages. hunting in Cache and Davis counties, with slightly immproved conditions In Box Elder and Weber counties. Expect the best hunting in agricultural areas adjacent to river corridors and wetlands. There is limited pheasant habitat in the southeastern region. Hunting is expected to be fair in this region. The best hunting will be in the agricultural areas of western Carbon and Emery counties and near the towns of Green River and 1.5 birds m Specialists Ready northeastern region. Pheasants observed per mile along established - roadside routes is higher than it has been for the past five years, although not as high as was seen prior to 1984 when pheasant populations were high. Brood counts have shown good production. Wildlife officials are predicting a slightly better hunt than the past few years, yet still below the long term loweei lourneeosi We feature the FINEST DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT It certified A.S.E. technicians to service all your automotive needs! FORDIEEIGN, DOMESTIC, 4x4 SEL. SEE US TODAY!! I Auto Repair o average. LL-TE- C The Pac-1- 0 was the 5 leat'T among conferences in ' 1980 NFL draft with 43 players taken. O O OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ,sr-- Bluff. cSiiii. Pheasant numbers are up in the HURRY IH GLo NO DOWN PAYMENT! FINAL WEEK! NO PAYMENT TILL NOVEMBER Sports and Trophy, we are At Payson committed to serving the needs of the serious sportsman. We back up our everyday low prices with service service during and after the sale! e We feature a gunsmith and our sales staff is courteous and knowledgeable on the things you want to know about. 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