Evaluation and Application of Drive Counts For Pheasants
Drive counts of pheasants (Phasianus colchicus subsp.) were evaluated on playa basins in the High Plains of Texas. The counts were 97-99% precise when the density of counters averaged 1/0.85 ha. The change-in-ratio estimator was modified to estimate pre-hunt population size when post-hunt population size and the proportion of cocks in the harvest are assumed known. Problems associated with drive counts of pheasants are discussed. Costs averaged $38/playa basin ($1.52/ha).
