Everything you need to know for pheasant hunting in the Panhandle this season

Whether you are a new hunter or a seasoned veteran, pheasant hunting opportunities this fall will not disappoint!

Introducing hunting to youth or adults who are new to the sport can be challenging. Pheasant hunts, however, are the perfect gateway—they are active, enjoyable and often result in plenty of shooting opportunities and success. Get out and give it a try!

Youth opportunities

Statewide, hunters 17 years and younger with an Idaho hunting license can participate in the youth-only pheasant hunt from Oct. 4–10.

Youth must be accompanied by a licensed adult (18 years or older), but do not need an Upland Game Bird Permit. All hunters must wear hunter orange above the waist in areas where pheasants are stocked.

New hunters who have never had a license and have not completed hunter education can still participate through Idaho’s Hunting Passport Program.

Rules to know about pheasant hunting in the Panhandle Region

There are two rule sets for hunting pheasants. One rule set applies to hunting pheasant outside of stocked areas, and the other rule set applies to hunting areas that are stocked by Idaho Fish and Game.

Stocked areas

• Bag limit is two cock pheasants/day
• Shooting hours are 10 a.m. PST to ½ hour after sunset
• Upland Game Bird Permit required

Non-stocked areas

• Bag limit is three cock pheasants/day
• Shooting hours are ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset
• No Upland Game Bird Permit required

In the Panhandle, resident hunters 18 and older may hunt pheasants Oct. 11–Dec. 31. Nonresidents may begin on Oct. 16.

Important reminders:

• There is no season for hen pheasants.
• Wearing hunter orange and carrying an Idaho hunting license is required.
• Shooting from or across a roadway is unlawful.

For full rules, see pages 11-13 of the 2024-25 Idaho Upland Game, Turkey and Furbearer rules book.

When and where pheasant will be stocked in the Panhandle

Pheasant will be stocked at two locations in the Panhandle—Boundary-Smith Creek WMA and the Lane Marsh parcel on Coeur d’Alene River WMA.

Approximately 50 pheasants per week will be released at each WMA from the week of Sept. 28 through Nov. 30, with one final stocking during the week of Dec. 14. Each WMA will receive a total of 601 birds for the season.

Full stocking schedules are posted at idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/pheasant/stocking.

Both WMAs have small, naturalized pheasant populations. Hunters may encounter hen pheasants, which are illegal to harvest.

Boundary-Smith Creek WMA

Located at the Idaho–British Columbia border, this 2,000-acre WMA sits in the scenic Kootenai River Valley and features wetland, forested and upland habitat.

• Bear awareness: Grizzly bears frequent the area. Carry bear spray.
• Shooting restriction: No shooting within 100 yards of WMA headquarters.
• Youth hunt: Birds will be released in fields north and south of Smith Creek and west of the headquarters. Parking is available nearby. Birds may disperse, especially later in the hunt.
• Regular season: Birds will be released across the WMA.

Maps and detailed stocking plans are available on the Pheasant Stocking Program webpage.

This WMA spans over 8,500 acres along the CDA River from Rose Lake to CDA Lake, featuring wetlands, uplands, forests and lakeshore habitat.

• Only the Lane Marsh parcel will be stocked.
• An Upland Game Bird Permit is required to hunt the Lane and Strobel Marsh parcels. No permit is required outside those parcels.
• Hunters should note that private lands are interspersed with WMA parcels. Always verify your location to avoid trespassing.

Maps and detailed stocking plans are available on the Pheasant Stocking Program webpage.

Additional resources

• Purchase a license or Upland Game Bird Permit:
  • Online
  • Regional office
  • Authorized vendors
• Use the Idaho Hunt Planner to scout and plan your hunt.
• Contact the Panhandle Regional Office at (208) 769-1414 for questions.
• Follow the Panhandle Region Facebook page for updates.