Great weather, few birds

Pheasant hunters in Edwards County Saturday morning (Pictures courtesy Casey McAvoy)

As predicted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KWDTP), hunters in southwestern Kansas saw few pheasants opening day.

A group of friends headed out Saturday morning north of Offerle in Edwards County, had little luck.

“We saw two roosters and one hen in the first two hours of hunting,” said Casey McAvoy, Hays. “In a good season, we’ll see that many in the first five minutes.”

The men, who’ve hunted in the area for years, weren’t expecting much.

“We really just walked the fields this season to see how the pheasant population is, and as we figured, the numbers continue to decline,” said.

“I hope hunters keep in mind this weekend that just because there is a limit, you don’t have to get it. We really need to repopulate so we can continue to carry on this tradition to the next generation.”

Corey McAvoy, Offerle, takes aim during Saturday during Opening Day of pheasant hunting in Kansas

Pheasant populations in Kansas continue to suffer from the extended drought, according to KDWPT.

Breeding populations dropped across their range from 2012 to 2013 resulting in fewer adult hens in the population to start the 2013 nesting season. KDWPT predicts the best areas this year will likely be pockets in northwest and northcentral Kansas.

Josh Konrade, J.J. Konrade, Roger Konrade, Jeff Stauth, Andy Stegman, Brian Stegman, Corey McAvoy, Casey McAvoy, Jay Chamberlain and Connor Chamberlain hunt together in northern Edwards County.