This is a 2022 Pheasant Season Recap. We started the 2022 season with high expectations. Despite the drought across Iowa and Minnesota, bird numbers were the best in years. But as it turns out there were multiple challenges.
Weather: It was hot in October and November. For October hunts in Minnesota we were going early and quitting early. We were only hunting once or twice a week. Temperatures in Iowa in November were way too warm so we did not make our first trip until December.
Dogs: Stella has continued to be steady and reliable. I have given up on Willow. I am undecided whether I will try to get her additional training or cut my losses.
Injuries: The season started with Bill injuring his knee which knocked him out for most of the season. Jeff’s hip degraded over course of the season to the point that hunting became impossible. Even Kevin suffered tendonitis and was side lined for a couple weeks.
Drought: The drought significantly impacted the cover in Iowa. Many of the places we usually hunt had very sparse cover so the birds would just run.
There were some positives:
Scouted new locations: Kevin and I checked out and hunted some new areas in Iowa. Several have potential in non-drought years.
Snow hunts: Kevin and I had a couple good snow hunts in Iowa. See other pheasant hunting posts.
Season statistics are available in the gallery below. There are graphs that provide year over year comparisons.
So it is time to put away the gear, finish off any pheasants in the freezer and start preparing for next season. For me that includes a hip replacement and hopefully a focus on rebuilding lost strength and stamina.
