Pheasant Hunts to Begin

Pheasant hunters can take to the field October 11 in north Idaho and October 18 in the rest of the state. The season runs October 12 through December 31 in Area 1 in north Idaho and from October 19 through December 31 in Area 3 in southwest Idaho. The eastern Idaho Area 2 hunt runs October 19 through November 30. In southern Idaho, Areas 2 and 3, pheasant seasons begin at noon on opening day. The boundary between Areas 2 and 3 has been changed for this year to allow hunting through December 31 in most of the Magic Valley except for three counties that retain the November 30 season close. More pheasants, about 17,000 this year, will be planted on Fish and Game Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and the planting will begin before the season. In previous years, pheasants were not planted until the season was underway. A permit is required for hunters 17 and older at the nine southern Idaho WMAs where pheasants are released. Niagara Springs WMA near Hagerman in the Magic Valley has been added to the pheasant planting program for the first time this year. The season there lasts through November 30. Pheasant numbers are expected to be about the same where planting is not done as they were last year, possibly slightly higher where habitat is better. Pheasant limits have been standardized at three per day and six in possession statewide including WMAs, cocks only.