DES MOINES - Declining numbers of pheasants, quail and jackrabbits could make this season challenging for Iowa hunters. According to the DNR August roadside survey, pheasant, quail and jackrabbit numbers are expected to be low this year.

Pheasant numbers are down approximately 35 percent statewide from 1998 because of wet spring weather and loss of habitat. Quail and jackrabbit populations do not show significant declines from 1998 numbers, but both are on a long-term decline. The drop in numbers for these two species is also due to loss of their preferred habitat.

“Unfortunately this is a trend that is likely to continue in the future, unless programs like CRP can be modified to provide for the habitat needs of quail,” according to the survey.

Hunters are more likely to find pheasants, quail and jackrabbit in certain regions of the state. Some good pockets of quail could still be found in parts of southern Iowa along the Missouri border. The southwest survey region showed the only increase in pheasant numbers albeit very slight. Most jackrabbits surveyed were found in the northwest and north-central survey regions.

The 1999 pheasant season runs from Oct. 30 through Jan. 10, 2000. The daily bag limit is three roosters (males), with a possession limit of 12. Bobwhite quail season also starts Oct. 30 but runs until Jan. 31, 2000. Daily bag limit is eight and possession limit is 16. Legal shooting hours for both seasons are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For hunters seeking jackrabbits, the season runs Oct. 30 - Dec. 1 with a daily bag limit of two and a possession limit of four. Shooting hours are sunrise to sunset.