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Federal Premium Ammunition Expands Prairie Storm Line with Steel Options for Pheasant Hunters

Federal Premium Ammunition Prairie Storm Steel for Pheasant Hunters

FederalPremium.com

ANOKA, Minn. --(Ammoland.com)- Federal Premium Ammunition brings pheasant hunters a new non-tox option with Prairie Storm FS Steel.

These new loads feature the patented FLITECONTROL Wad and a unique mix of FLITESTOPPER and Premium Steel for unprecedented patterns on birds. Prairie Storm FS Steel loads can be found on store shelves now.

Patterning Makes Perfect
Federal Premium continues to use the unique and proven FLITECONTROL wad to help performance in the field. The new Prairie Storm 12 and 20-gauge steel options feature a mix of 50% Premium Steel and 50% FS Steel to give pheasant hunters perfect patterns. This mix was decided on after extensive testing with brand new, industry leading patterning software.

“Prairie Storm steel loads offer a unique advantage,” said Ammunition Director Rick Stoeckel.

“We did a lot of development to ensure these loads were designed for pheasant hunters. This fall, pheasant hunters will see the advantages of these loads with increased steel performance and less lost or crippled birds.”

Federal Premium has also added 20-gauge 2-3/4” Prairie Storm FS Lead loads.

To learn more about the entire Federal line, go to www.federalpremium.com.

Part No. Description

• PFS143FS 3 12-ga, 3″, 1-1/8 oz, #3 1600 fps
• PFS143FS 4 12-ga, 3″, 1-1/8 oz, #4 1600 fps
• PFS207FS 3 20-ga, 3″, 7/8 oz, #3 1500 fps
• PFS207FS 4 20-ga, 3″, 7/8 oz, #4 1500 fps

About Federal Cartridge Company
Headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota, Federal Cartridge Company has been providing hunters and shooters with high-quality rimfire, centerfire and shotshell ammunition since 1922. It pioneered the Premium category of ammunition and is part of the world’s leading ammunition manufacturer, ATK Security and Sporting. For more information on Federal, visit www.federalpremium.com.

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Pheasant Counts Decline From Historic Highs But Still Good

Pheasant Counts Decline From Historic Highs But Still Good

South Dakota Fish, Game & Parks

PIERRE, S.D. --(Ammoland.com)- Pheasant brood counts indicate that pheasant numbers in South Dakota have returned to levels below the remarkable high counts of the past few years.

However, the pheasant population in the main part of the state’s pheasant range will still provide quality hunting opportunities.

From 2003 through 2010, the statewide pheasant-per-mile index was at levels not seen in the previous 40 years.

The index this year is 46 percent lower than the 2010 index and 41 percent lower than the average of the past 10 years.

“We observed abnormally high mortality of hen pheasants during the brutal winter of 2010-11,” explained Jeff Vonk, Secretary of the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department, “The loss of that reproductive potential inhibited the ability of our pheasant population to rebound to the record levels that we have enjoyed in recent years.”

Declines in the counts were consistent across the state and most pronounced in eastern South Dakota, where winter’s grip was tightest and grassland nesting habitat is diminished.

“We knew this day was coming when important pheasant habitats provided by the cover in Conservation Reserve Program fields were lost,” Vonk said.

CRP enrollments in the state are currently at 1.17 million acres, down from 1.56 million acres in 2007. The reduction equates to over 600 square miles of grassland habitat.

“On the other hand, we were pleasantly surprised how well pheasants responded in central South Dakota, where abundant moisture from winter snow and spring rain allowed grasslands to flourish and provide the essential habitat for excellent pheasant production,” Vonk said.

The counts in the main pheasant range are similar to or higher than the counts in 2002 when hunters bagged 1.2 million pheasants. Pheasant hunters harvested 1.8 million pheasants in 2010.

“All things considered, pheasant numbers in much of the traditional pheasant range of the state are still good despite the declines in the counts,” Vonk said.

“Much of South Dakota will continue to provide a premier opportunity to hunt pheasants.”

The complete 2011 Pheasant Brood Survey Report, including local survey results for different areas of the state, can be found online at http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/small-game/pheasant-outlook.aspx

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