Larry, we had a lot of pheasants in the 90s and we had about the same amount of trapping (close to nothing) and probably even more predators, especially foxes. The loss of farmsteads and old barns and other outbuildings has dramatically reduced some predators like raccoons, skunks, and opossums. I don't know what the status of foxes are statewide, but around here they seem to be just coming back however slightly from a long hiatus.

Most people that study these things put a lot more emphasis on winter kill hens and especially spring nesting conditions.

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BrentD, (Professor - just for Stan)
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