The 19 77 survey probably represents a peak in the pheasant popu- 

 lation following a series of mild winters. Following the severe 

 winter of 1977-78, a decline in the crowing route results was 

 noted. The actual reduction in the pheasant population was not 

 felt to be as severe as the table would indicate, and was judged 

 to be in the 20-30 percent range. 1979 showed an increase in 

 numbers and generally reflected the partial recovery of this 

 population . 



The vegetation along the route was typed at 1/10-mile inter- 

 vals (Table 22) . Cottonwood-willow riverbottom, grassland, and 

 sagebrush types accounted for 61.1 percent of the vegetation 

 along the route. Small grain and summer fallow which are alter- 

 nately cropped each year amounted to 12.5 percent of the cover. 

 This area appears to provide a good combination of cover and 

 food for pheasants. 



Average brood size for 1976 was 5.6 young, 6.5 in 1977, 

 and 5.3 in 1978. 1977-78 winter sex ratios were 69 males/100 

 females . 



Table 22. Vegetation types - pheasant crowing route" 



64 



