It’s a big part of tourism in Kansas, as hunters hit the fields this weekend for the start of the pheasant and quail hunting season. Numbers are expected to be down due to drought and severe weather that hit areas of the state over the summer. Still the hunting in central Kansas, west of highway-81 is expected to be better than some expected.

According to Charlie Swank with the Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands near Great Bend, the numbers he saw were better than anticipated. That being said, Swank says hunters will face short cover and very nervous birds. Swank says staying quiet and moving slowly will be the key to having any success. Hunters will also face public hunting ground that has been mowed due to the drought leaving very short cover, with milo fields offering the best hunting.

The poor numbers could also mean less money for Kansas businesses that cater to hunters, who spend about $150 a day on lodging, food, fuel and hunting supplies. Opening weekend typically draws 50,000 to 70,000 hunters. The season runs through Jan. 31.