In general, they require summer nesting cover, brood habitat, winter thermal cover and food plots to be within 1 mile. Alfalfa, standing corn or canola, and pollinator plots are preferred brood rearing cover for pheasants in North Dakota. Alfalfa, standing corn or canola, and pollinator plots are preferred brood rearing cover for pheasants in North Dakota. Winter food sources should include food plots with a food source that provides cover in winters with little to no snow. Winter food sources should include food plots with a food source that provides cover in winters with little to no snow.