Last year was pretty dismal and looks like the same this year. Here in West Central Kansas I have seen a few pheasants, mostly cocks. Saw one hen yesterday with one almost grown chick following her. There may still be some around come November but a lot of the WIHAs will be used for grazing or be cut for cattle feed.

You guys have been dryer that we have Im sure your birds are hurting down there! It doesnt seem to be that bad honestly here. Seen everything from roosters starting to get their green to new chick say 3 to 4 weeks old last week.

Been scouting and I think conditions are even worse than I thought. We have had some rain but too little, too late. A lot of the the CRP grass in the Walk In Hunting Areas has been mowed to a short stubble to get feed for cattle. Cover is scarce and so are birds. I have not seen a pheasant or heard a crow in months. I suspect I picked the wrong year to retire. Might as well go back to work.
The rain has helped the duck prospects though. Many creeks/rivers/ponds are still dry. Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira have some water and I hear there are a lot of ducks and geese where there is water.