Pheasant numbers increasing ND

North Dakota is aiming for a plentiful pheasant season this year.

According to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, the pheasant population in the state is up 6 percent from last year.

The department said this spring's count is an indicator of what the fall numbers will look like, but not a prediction. A more thorough survey will be conducted from July through September.

According to upland game management biologist R.J. Gross, the plentiful precipitation in the region has provided good nesting areas for the rising population.