Scouting Season Starts Now: 2025 Minnesota Pheasant Outlook and the Tradition That Follows
Every September, something clicks into place.
The Minnesota DNR just released the 2025 Roadside Pheasant Survey, and despite a summer filled with storms and soggy conditions, the pheasant population looks strong across much of the state. "Statewide pheasant number up nearly 50% from 2024"
Click here to view the full map.
Thanks to optimal nesting cover and habitat holding up under pressure, we may be in for a truly memorable season.
And with that… the planning begins.
The Tradition Behind the Numbers
For a lot of folks, the pheasant count isn’t just about forecasting flushes. It’s the signal that another chapter is about to be written.
For me, it marks the start of something that goes way beyond birds in the bag.
It’s about the early morning coffees. The truck rides filled with gear and stories. The dogs vibrating with anticipation. It’s about time in the field with people who matter. And I count myself incredibly lucky to still be able to share this season with my dad—the guy who taught me everything I know about upland hunting.
This opener, like every year, is a reminder of just how good we have it.
From Maps to Miles
I’ve already got OnX pulled up, diving into those familiar Brown and Red zones and starting the digital scout. Public land parcels I haven’t touched in years suddenly look promising. Corn’s coming down early in some areas, and the roadside counts are shifting my perspective on where to head first.
It’s one of my favorite parts of the season—hours spent in the off-season exploring the map, dreaming of crisp mornings, boot tracks, and the hum of a vest zipper after a solid walk.
Field-Tested Gear for the Season Ahead
If you’re planning your own opener, or hitting the fields all fall long, check out the UplandHitch—our magnetic shotgun holder that secures your firearm to the side of your vehicle, safely and quickly. It’s small, strong, and built for bird hunters who care about their gear.
Whether you're gearing up for the Minnesota pheasant opener, scouting new coverts, or chasing roosters all season, the UplandHitch is a small piece of kit that solves a big annoyance.
Here’s to Another Season
So here we go.
Maps are open. Dogs are restless. Shotguns are getting cleaned. The worn out Pheasants Forever magazines are thumbed through one last time. Whether you’re a seasoned upland hunter or chasing your first rooster, I hope this fall brings good cover, strong points, and memories that stretch far beyond the tailgate.
And if you're lucky enough to share it with someone who brought you into the field all those years ago—make sure to thank them, right there in the dust and sunlight.