Slow pheasant season expected in parts of western Nebraska

Pheasant hunting season is underway across the state.

But in parts of western Nebraska, the birds haven’t recovered from drought conditions in recent years.

Boone Huffman is with Ash Creek Outfitters just outside of Chadron. He said pheasants use long prairie grasses as cover. A lack of precipitation has led to stunted growth of pastures in the area, he said.

“Even though we had a good spring moisture crop, and last year was really good, just the overall rebuilding process — there just wasn’t enough birds to repopulate now,” Huffman said.

The long grasses in central and eastern parts of the state allow for larger pheasant populations and improved hunting.

“Mid-eastern South Dakota and eastern and central Nebraska, I think that those guys are probably all fine,” Huffman said.

Huffman said Ash Creek plans to release hens into the wild to boost the pheasant population for next year.

Pheasant hunting season runs now through Jan. 31.