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Iowa Hog Farmers Create Pheasant Habitat

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Pheasants are in hog heaven.

Every now and then when Steve Brekunitch checks on his pigs near New Providence, the cackle of a rooster pheasant pierces the air. Two weeks ago his springer spaniel, Rosey, came with. She was particularly excited as she sniffed the air.

Hunters call the behavior "acting birdy." The dog was sure a pheasant was in the tall native grasses surrounding the 2,400-head hog building.

"She's excited. She usually doesn't act like this (accept when hunting)," Brekunitch said.

To Brekunitch, Rosey's actions, the cackles and bird tracks found in the snow near and in the grass indicate a joint project between Iowa PheasantsForever and the Iowa Pork Producers Association is working.

Pheasant habitat is disappearing statewide at an alarming rate, the hunting organization says, which will negatively impact bird numbers. An estimated 200-square-miles of conservation reserve program acres, which often serve as good habitat, are expected to disappear this year and another 350- to 400-square-miles next year.

On the other hand, land surrounding thousands of swine barns remain an untapped resource. For the most part, hog sites have neatly manicured lawns with shrubs and trees acting as a wind and odor barrier. Pheasants Forever believes tall native grasses are a better alternative.

"The goal of this project is to create some additional habitat around swine barns without disrupting the operation of the facility," said Dave Van Waus, regional wildlife biologist for Pheasants Forever, in a statement. "We are excited to form this new partnership with farms throughout Iowa."

Brekunitch, a Hardin County Pheasants Forever member, is one of 10 producers statewide participating in the pilot program, the only one in Northeast Iowa. A contractor by trade in Iowa Falls, he purchased land and built the confinement facility as an investment.

As a hunter, he said the loss of habitat is impacting bird populations, which is making it harder and harder to limit out (three roosters per person per day/12 possession limit). Iowa used to be the pheasant capital of the country, but now lags far behind No. 1 South Dakota. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources predict 700,000 to 780,000 will be shot in Iowa this year compared to nearly 2 million to Iowa's neighbor to the northwest.

Participating in the program was the perfect way, Brekunitch said, to support hunting locally and make his hog site more aesthetically pleasing. The natural filtering qualities of native prairie grasses will also improve water quality, officials said.

"Anything I can do to contribute to the pheasant habitat, the better. It's an opportunity that wouldn't be available otherwise," Brekunitch said. "Really, there are no cons to it. I have a nicer looking site and decreased maintenance."

The organizations provide financial assistance to producers in the form of seed, while Pheasants Forever offers technical help in planning the habitat area, maintenance and follow-up assistance. Brekunitch figures he saved about $300.

About one acre was seeded down late this spring surrounding the building. Brekunitch said. Though somewhat hampered by the early summer heat and lack of rain, he said the grasses did grow to about three to four feet and flower.

"This will help producers beautify their farm sites and make them more environmentally acceptable," said Scott Tapper, IPPA president and member of the partnership task force in a press release.

Since it's illegal to hun hunt close to livestock buildings, officials said the grass will provide excellent refuge for adult birds and nesting habitat. Brekunitch estimates a few dozen hens could utilize the new habitat to raise young.

Pheasants Forever said a hen lays 12 eggs on average with a chick survival rate of 50 percent. While safe from humans, birds are still susceptible to natural predators like skunks, fox and raccoons.

Brekunitch said judging by what he's heard and seen, pheasants are using the cover. Hog noise, traffic associated with a hog building and smell aren't an issue.

"I've seen them (pheasants) around. It's no different than any other farm," he said.