Pheasants have been preparing for the new season's hardships all through the fall months, gaining weight which will enable them to withstand the rigors of winter. Their fat reserves build up and will be used during periods of extremely low temperatures and heavy snow cover. They move from summer habitat to winter cover with the first hint of a change in the weather. In winter, pheasants almost always segregate by sex. Hens are more tolerant of crowding than are roosters, and generally gather in larger groups.
Roosters are inclined to roost in small groups or alone, apart from hens.
High-quality cover is essential for their survival during cold months, but where such cover exists, pheasants can easily survive almost anything winter can offer. High quality cover is essential to pheasant survival during North Dakota's cold winter months. Well adapted to North Dakota winters, ring-necked pheasants seldom succumb to starvation or cold in ordinary winter conditions. They are adept at locating food sources even in extreme conditions, and if necessary, pheasants can go without food for long periods, living off their stored energy reserves. They burrow effectively into heavy cover, and deep snow causes them little difficulty.