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HUNTING AND FISHING P H E A S A N T N U M B E R S U P I N 2 0 1 5 , W I T H L O N G - T E R M P L A N F O R I N C R E A S I N G P O P U L A T I O N U N D E R W A Y This past year was among the best for pheasants and quail in Nebraska in recent memory. According to the Rural Mail Carrier Survey, pheasant and quail numbers were up statewide 55 and 84 percent, respectively, and many hunters reported seeing more birds than they had in years. A mild, wet spring certainly was part of the reason for this good news. But behind-the-scenes habitat work throughout the state, including projects by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Pheasants Forever, and a host of agencies and volunteers, has aided the chance that this year's season isn't a one-time success. In fact, multiple projects statewide aim to increase habitat long-term for upland birds, as well as many other species. In the fall of 2015, Nebraska Game and Parks commissioners Lynn Berggren, Bob Allen and Dick Bell, along with a host of biologists, volunteers and friends, took to public lands throughout the state to take a peek into what the average hunter would see on a given weekend. They weren't disappointed. While hunting four days throughout the season, the hunters found good populations of pheasants and quail, and excellent habitat, in the central and northeastern regions of the state on Commission, Ducks Unlimited, and Conservation Reserve Program properties. "We are hunting all exclusively public access that everyone has the opportunity to hunt," said Commissioner Berggren, who remains proactive about getting more habitat for birds on public lands. "We see a good number of birds, both pheasant and quail. While a dog is essential to do this – you have to have a good dog – the opportunity in Nebraska to hunt pheasants is out there." The Commission devoted much energy in 2015 to making sure hunters continue to find good populations of pheasants and other upland game in Nebraska in coming years, too. In February of 2015, staff began a year-long process of constructing a comprehensive plan to improve pheasant hunting in the state, with the goal of producing the best hunting experience for the largest number of people possible. Following this plan, Commission staff will strive 26 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission • 2015 Annual Report