As pheasant season opens Monday, Oct. 20, in the Lower Peninsula, Department of Natural Resources wildlife officials advise hunters that the season should be similar to last year. However, in some areas where habitat loss occurred, hunters may have to work a little harder for their birds this fall.

The number of pheasant broods reported by cooperating rural mail carriers was similar to counts in 2007. High commodity prices have caused some farmers to withdraw land from set-aside programs and return it to crops. This means that some prime pheasant habitat may have been lost.

"We expect pheasant harvest may fall somewhat," said DNR upland game bird specialist Al Stewart. "Grassland nesting conditions were very good this spring, so hunters who seek out the best habitat should find birds. Last year, we had a decline in pheasant harvest, due to fewer hunters and fewer total hunter days. However, the pheasant harvest per effort has been relatively stable the last few years."

Last year, Michigan's 69 cooperating pheasant hunters reported flushing 0.79 roosters and 1.27 hens and 0.25 quail per hour of hunting, all increases from 2006. Hunters interested in becoming cooperators should contact the Wildlife Division at 517-373-1263 or visit the pheasant hunting pages at www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Pheasant season runs through Nov. 14 in the Lower Peninsula and then reopens in much of southern Michigan Dec. 1 - Jan. 1. The limit is two roosters daily. For geographical boundaries for the December season, check the 2008 Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide.