Ring-necked pheasant populations are declining across the midwestern United States. Pheasant hunting is a critical contribution to economy of these areas. Developing alternative management strategies is important for management of pheasants. Use of spring cover crops can potentially benefit both pheasants and producers. This research is a collaborative effort among the Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Kansas Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism, and Star Seed Company.
Spring cover crops use by pheasants is related to distance from CRP tracts. Therefore, strategic placement of spring cover crops is necessary to maximize use by pheasants.