Wild pheasant roosters aggressively dominate protective habitat and food supplies, especially in winter. Wild pheasant hens have a tough time when shelter or food resources are limited. Large areas of tall dense brush, such as kochia, assist hen survival. Annual populations are proportional to hen survival. In April hens and roosters leave the dense winter cover for courting and selecting nesting sites. Wild pheasant hens make ground nests in previous crop residues, grassy areas, and fresh growing wheat. Prior to “no till” farming systems, many nests were destroyed by tillage operations employed prior to spring row crop planting. Wheat fields are favorite nesting sites for wild pheasant hens. The hatch begins in mid-June and continues well into July. Nearby natural springs and potholes assure a supply of insects, the primary food source for young broods.