Fields across the state were speckled with orange today as thousands of hunters enjoyed the official start of pheasant season. While it is a day to celebrate, a report says South Dakota's pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) population may be a problem for hunters this season. "This is a big thing for all of South Dakota," said LaRee Rumbolz, general manager of Super 8 in Mitchell. Pheasant season brings thousands of hunters from all over the country to the Mount Rushmore State. But this year, opening weekend is a little different for the Super 8. "This year, one big group that has come for years decided that last year was not good and this year then they told them it was 20 percent more down," said Rumbolz. Game, Fish and Parks released the annual pheasant brood count last month. The survey highlighted a statewide decrease of 20 percent. Just days after the report was released, Rumbolz says more than 30 hunters called to cancel their reservations. "They are losing revenue at the gas stations, the restaurants, the grocery stores, the motels. The people aren't just gonna come if they think there is no birds," added Rumbolz. Common pheasants are omnivorous, feeding on foliage, seeds, grains, berries and invertebrates. Chicks mainly consume insects.
Sources: KSFY, October 15, 2016
http://www.ksfy.com/content/news/Low-pheasant-numbers-causing-concern--…
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