Upland bird hunting prospects optimistic

Positive surveys and field reports point toward a more optimistic outlook for Nebraska upland bird hunting seasons this fall.

“Surveys conducted earlier this summer looked more promising entering the breeding season, and with improved habitat conditions, good production is expected,” said Bryan O’Connor, upland game program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Statewide, pheasant counts were up 19 percent during this year’s July rural mail carrier surveys and were near or exceeding five-year averages in all areas except the Sandhills.

Pheasant habitat is more isolated in eastern...