PIERRE - The annual summer brood survey by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks indicates the largest pheasant population in four decades.

The agency reports a 15 percent increase in the number of pheasant broods this year and larger brood sizes - an average of 6.7 chicks per nest.

The GF&P said good habitat and favorable weather during the hatch in June resulted in the highest pheasant count since 1963. Its survey indicates 7.8 birds per mile, up from 6.36 birds per mile last year and well above the 10-year average of 4.7 birds per mile.