Pheasants on Their Way Out in Iowa?

The last 10 years the Iowa Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) population continues to decline and it seems were on track to have this bird no longer exist in Iowa. The 2011 roadside count began today and I'm trying to stay optimistic about the numbers but I don't think it's going to be good at all. In 2001 our roadside count was at its lowest ever of 13 birds counted. 2010 it was at 15 birds, so in 10 years we have not seen really any growth at all. And from what I've seen this spring and summer, 2011 could be worse than 2001.

Source: The Daily Reporter, August 2, 2011
http://www.spencerdailyreporter.com/blogs/1575/entry/42794/