The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is expecting better pheasant hunting this fall after the population of the birds jumped 37 percent, based on the department’s roadside survey. The numbers were the highest in eight years. The pheasant season begins Oct. 31. The DNR expects good conditions if the weather holds up, with 80 percent of the corn crop expected to be out of the fields by the start of the season. Adding to the excitement is that the corn harvest is running ahead of last year and will likely be 80 percent finished by the time the season begins. The best pheasant counts form a band from the northwest corner of the state to the southeast.