Think December’s snowfall was tough on you?

The region’s pheasant population is hurting after the heavy snowfall because it’s decreased the amount of available food and habitat.

“This is the fourth winter in a row that’s been a tough one,” said Jeanine Vorland, area wildlife manager with the DNR.

The DNR estimates that Minnesota loses 3 percent of its pheasant population for every week of a foot or more of snow cover.

When there’s a foot or more of snow cover, pheasants’ food sources and habitat is greatly reduced. This means the birds have to travel farther to find food, which increases the risk of being hit by a car or falling victim to predators.

While December saw more than 35 inches of snow in parts of the region, how rough the winter has been is a matter of comparison, Vorland said. When compared to the winters of the 1990s, this winter has been harsh. But it’s been light to average when stood up against some winters of the 1960s and 1970s.

“There is a lot of snow, and there’s been a lot of cold in January,” Vorland said. “So far, it’s on the rough side.”

The silver lining is the early snow has left plenty of habitat, even though it’s diminished food sources. Late in the year, habitat tends to decrease due to blowing snow.

Also, pheasants falling prey to winter is nothing new.

“Winter mortality is not unusual for pheasants,” Vorland said.

Pheasants aren’t the only animals winter can affect. Deer commonly feel the affects of winter and can lose fawns. But deer are more adept to adverse climates and can handle more due to their size, Vorland noted.

“The winter has to get a lot worse and last a lot longer before you end up with any serious deer mortality,” Vorland said.’

Despite the hit to the pheasant population, Vorland said the effects of a heavy winter are not all negative.

“There are some positive impacts a winter like this can have,” Vorland said.

A winter can cause a natural fish kill, which picks off carp in overrun waters. But, that can also have the reverse affect of picking off game fish too.

Vorland said the DNR works to promote the pheasant population, mostly by securing natural habitat.

While the DNR doesn’t discourage people from feeding pheasants, Vorland noted it can cause some negative side effects.

Feeders can attract a large number of birds to a concentrated area, and Vorland said they’re often more vulnerable to predators or cars near feeders.

Some farmers leave standing corn in part of a field, which provides pheasants with a steady food supply and cover. Vorland said this is preferred over feeding.

Feeding deer, however, is not recommended.

“We prefer that people not feed deer,” Vorland said because there is concern about disease.

Despite any potential concerns winter may cause, Vorland said people should enjoy ice fishing and trapping seasons when they have the chance.

“We do encourage people to get out and enjoy winter,” Vorland said.