BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - The North Dakota Game and Fish Department says a recent survey indicates a reduced pheasant population in the state, except in the southwest.

Upland game management supervisor Stan Kohn says severe winters, poor production and loss of idled farmland have contributed to a decline in the spring crowing count survey for the third year in a row.

The department estimates a 14% drop statewide from last year, though the number of crows heard in the southwest was up 5%.

Officials caution that spring crowing count data is not always a good indicator of the fall pheasant population. Brood surveys that begin in mid-July and wrap up by September are a better indicator of pheasant production.