SALINA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas wildlife official are predicting that bird populations will be 70 percent higher than a year ago when the state’s quail and pheasant seasons open this weekend.

But after the lowest pheasant and quail harvest in 75 years, Kansas Department of Wildlife small game specialist Jeff Prendergast says the numbers still will be pretty poor.

Prendergast tells The Salina Journal  that low bird numbers in recent years have discouraged some hunters, which is partly why there should be more birds when hunting season opens Saturday.

Hunting season typically provides area hotels with brisk business for about three weeks. Beloit Super 8 general manager Janet Remus says her motel is lodging hunters from as far away as South Carolina and Kentucky.

Quail and pheasant seasons run through Jan. 31.