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 11 through December 31 in Area 1 in north Idaho and from October 18 through December 31 in Area 3 in southwest Idaho. The eastern Idaho, Area 2, hunt runs October 18 through November 30. In southern Idaho, Areas 2 and 3, pheasant seasons begin at noon on opening day. Over 16,000 pheasants this year, will be planted on Fish and Game Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and the planting will begin before the season on some areas. 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. Not all WMAs will be stocked on opening day. 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, six in possession statewide including WMAs, cocks only.