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Show Pheasant Hunt Begins On November 1 SALT LAKE CITY -Hunters taking to the field for pheasants in Utah this season should find bird numbers that will be similar to last year. Those heading afield for Gambel's quail along Utah's southern border, however, should enjoy improved hunting. Utah's 2003 pheasant and quail seasons open Nov. 1. Dean Mitchell, upland game coordinator coordi-nator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, provides the following preview for the upcoming hunts: Ring-necked Pheasant Despite the fact that Utah pheasant populations have declined drastically, many Utah hunters will be afield this year for the wily ringneck! Hunters should not expect any highly noticeable improvement improve-ment in pheasant populations this year over last. Five years of drought and countless years of habitat loss have taken their toll on Utah's pheasant populations. Hunters should concentrate their efforts in those areas with ; remaining suitable habitat. Most of Utah's pheasant hunters par-. par-. ticipate during the opening weekend only. Those with per- ; sistence and who hunt during ; weekdays are successful in har- -' vesting a few birds. ; Utah pheasant hunting will be poor to fair at best throughout ' ; -; the state. Predictions for hunter . success by DWR region are as follows: Northern Region: Reports of large pheasant broods have been common this year. A slightly improved hunt is expected. Central Region: Habitat con ditions in agricultural areas where pheasants are found are fair. In spite of the continuing drought, a few well-timed spring showers stimulated improved nesting and brooding habitat conditions. Continued urban and industrial development develop-ment throughout the region make it difficult for hunters to find pheasants. Those with access to private agricultural lands will have the best success. Overall, hunting is expected to be slow. Southeastern Region: Poor to fair hunting expected. Southern Region: Poor to fair hunting expected. Hunters are encouraged to complete and have the landowner sign the landowner permission card located on the DWR Internet Web page at wildlife.utah.govlawpermis-sioncard.html |