Weather and predators are two reasons pheasant numbers are expected to be low.

Predictions of fair-at-best success don’t deter pheasant hunters
By Bob Bahlmann
10-31-07

SALT LAKE CITY—Weather, habitat and predators are all factors predicted to decrease hunter’s success when the pheasant hunt opens this weekend.
Hot, dry weather reduced the number of pheasant chicks that hatched in much of Utah this year, taking a toll on an already struggling pheasant population.
Also, improved agricultural practices have reduced suitable pheasant habitat, and lower fur prices have resulted in increased numbers of foxes and raccoons, both key predators on pheasant populations.
Despite predictions of fair at best success, the Division of Wildlife Resources expects almost 16,000 hunters to participate in one of Utah’s most popular upland game hunts.
Serious pheasant hunters might consider making the trip to northern Utah. More than 50,000 acres of private land in northern Utah is open to sportspeople through the DWR’s Walk-In Access program.
Locally, pheasant populations are similar to last year. In Utah County, agricultural lands and marsh areas around Utah Lake and the Great Salt Lake harbor some birds.
Remember that written permission is required to hunt agricultural lands. Limited public hunting is available on the Utah Lake Wetland Preserve and the Powell Slough Wildlife Management Area.
In the West Desert, pheasant hunting is marginal at best. Agricultural lands in the area do harbor some birds. There is also limited public hunting on the Walt Fitzgerald and Carr Fork wildlife management areas.