Pheasants are down, but hunters are coming

DICKINSON, N.D. (AP) — Hunters and the businesses that cater to them in southwest North Dakota say pheasants can be found, but hunters are having to look a little harder this year.

The North Dakota season began over the weekend. State wildlife officials estimate the pheasant population this fall is down about 50 percent from last year because of harsh conditions last winter and spring.

Travis Scholten of Spokane, Wash., his brother Calvin Scholten of Memphis, Tenn., and Jason Smith of Seattle hunted north of Dickinson on Saturday. They say they reached their limit but did notice fewer birds. They say they were struck more by the smaller size of the birds.

Hotels and businesses in the region had feared a drop in business because of the lower pheasant numbers, but Dickinson Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Terri Thiel says most local hotels are booked for the first two weeks of the season.

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