The Ring-Necked Pheasant in Iowa
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THE RING-NECKED PHEASANT IN IOWA by Allen L. Farris Eugene D. Klonglan, Richard C. Nomsen IOWA CONSERVATION COMMISSION Des Moines © 1977 Maynard Reece Painting Courtesy Mill Pond Press “There is a fallacious impression in many parts of this region that while native game needs generous coverts, the pheasant ‘has adapted himself to civilization through thousands of years in China’ and can get along on bare fields. It is important that this fallacy be refuted. It tends to prevent sports• men from squarely facing the covert-restoration problem.” Aldo Leopold 1931 i Foreword If a bird’s nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young: But thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days. DEUTERONOMY 22:6-7 Since the dawn of time man has always been keenly interested in his surroundings and acutely aware of the animals with which he has been closely associated. This curiosity and interest extends to both native species and those that, through some manipulation, have been introduced into new environs to add traditional diversity and pleasure. The Chinese ring-necked pheasant came to our nation in the earliest times and pre• ceding that was transplanted over much of the Old World. Iowans as well as visitors to our state have shown a great interest in our pheasant population and all aspects relating to its management and use. In a more formal sense, many employees of the Conservation Commission have spent a major portion of their lives in the study for greater understanding of the bird’s presence and its adaption to our state. The factual information in the form in which it is presented here will hopefully add to the reader’s enjoyment. There has been a need over the years to record and publish the information acquired so that we can all improve our knowledge and thereby increase our interest in this important bird. We are indeed fortunate and proud that Iowa has been leading the nation in pheasant re• search and this book attests to its importance and acceptance as a viable species in this state. So that everyone who enjoys the pheasant can be• come better acquainted and more knowledgeable of this bird’s total impact, this book is written. Fred A. Priewert Director Iowa Conservation Commission ii Preface Every biologist dreams of someday having the opportunity to write a book and share his knowledge with others. There have been many times since this writing project started that I wished that dream had remained only a dream. However, the dream was not mine alone and did not start with me. The Iowa pheasant book began with Gene Klonglan and Dick Nomsen. They were initially given the task of writing the history and ecology of the ringneck in Iowa. Both men spent the greater part of their careers with the Iowa Conservation Commission in pursuit of knowledge about pheasants. After Gene left the employ of the Commission, I was given the task of finishing the book. To both of these men I owe a debt of gratitude for their accomplishments in the collection of field data and written contributions to the manuscript. This book should not be viewed as the end point in pheasant knowledge in Iowa but rather a long overdue compilation of current knowledge. As long as pheasants exist in Iowa, there will be voids in our knowledge about this species and problems to solve in the management of pheasants. In a book of this nature there is always the problem of whether to write for the sportsman or for the wildlife professional. Hopefully this book is a middle of the road product with enough data and detail to interest the professional without boring the sportsman. If the writing of this book can bring the sportsman and professional to a closer understanding of management of the pheasant resource, then the time and energy spent on this task will have been well spent. Allen L. Farris Russell and Indianola, Iowa Acknowledgements In a project of this size there are always those individuals who have contributed greatly to its accomplishment, and their eff orts are hereby acknowledged. The Conservation Officers, both past and present, collected the majority of the pheasant population survey data presented in this book. Personnel from the Wildlife and Fisheries Sections have also contributed by collection of survey data. Ron George, Dale Humburg, and Jim Mayhew provided valuable services by reading rough drafts of the manuscript and providing valuable suggestions. Gene Hlavka assisted in the compilation of survey data. Larry Pool made the maps and graphs. Ken Formanek, Ron George, Dick Nomsen, and other unknown photographers contributed photographs. Kathy Schlutz, Effie Humburg, and Betty Knight typed early drafts of the manuscript. Sandy Fuller typed the entire manuscript three or four times. Roger Sparks assisted with photograph selection, copy lay• out, and arrangements with the publisher. Fred Priewert, Harry Harrison, and Bob Barratt provided release time from regular duties to complete the writing. Katherine Farris undertook the job of editing. The licensed hunters of Iowa deserve recognition because it has been their license money that has supported the research and management conducted on the ring-necked pheasant in Iowa. iii Table of Contents Foreword ................................................................................................................................................................................. ii Preface ................................................................................................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................................................ iii List of Figures .......................................................................................................................................................................... v List of Tables .......................................................................................................................................................................... vi Chapter 1 What Is a Pheasant? ............................................................................................................................................... 1 Cousin to the Chicken ....................................................................................................................................................... 1 WilD Iowa KinfolK, Too ..................................................................................................................................................... 2 Gaudy MAles and Drab Females ...................................................................................................................................... 2 A “People Bird” in Many Ways ......................................................................................................................................... 3 Chapter 2 Pheasants Come To Iowa ....................................................................................................................................... 4 From Asia to Europe ......................................................................................................................................................... 4 Journey to Nroth America ................................................................................................................................................ 5 Arrival on the Iowa Scene ................................................................................................................................................. 5 Chapter 3 Diary of An Iowa Pheasant Flock .......................................................................................................................... 12 Starting out the Year ...................................................................................................................................................... 12 Old Man Winter .............................................................................................................................................................. 13 Spring and Nesting.......................................................................................................................................................... 13 Summer and Family Chores ............................................................................................................................................ 16 Fall, Readying for the Gun .............................................................................................................................................. 17 Chapter 4 Where Are They & How Many?............................................................................................................................ 19 Year-Rougn Surveillance ................................................................................................................................................. 19 Distribution and Relative Abundance ............................................................................................................................. 23 Learning from Facts and Figures ...................................................................................................................................