Pheasant Outlook Not as Good as 2003

After enjoying the best pheasant season in a decade last year, Idaho bird hunters cannot expect to find quite as many ringnecks this fall. "However, there will be good pheasant hunting if sportsman can get on private lands with good bird habitat," according to Don Kemner, wildlife staff biologist for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) operated by Fish and Game will again be stocked with about 16,000 game farm pheasants for harvest. "Last year approximately 5,000 hunters on WMAs took game farm pheasants raised in Idaho," Kemner said. Nine WMAs offer pheasant hunting in southern Idaho. Rules for hunting game farm pheasants on these areas are found on pages 12 and 13 of the Upland Game rule booklet. Anyone 17 and older who plans to hunt on these lands will need a WMA permit. These permits cost $21.50 each and allow the hunter to take six pheasants, but not all on the same day. The daily limit on WMAs is two. There is no limit on the number of permits a hunter can purchase. Hunting naturally-reared pheasants in Idaho does not require any special permit other than a hunting license. Daily limits are three cocks with six in possession after the first day. Northern Idaho's (Area 1) season began October 9 and runs through the end of the year. The southern part of the state's seasons open October 16 in Areas 2 and 3 and run through November 30 in Area 2-the eastern side of the state-and through December 31 in the southwest (Area 3). Hunting hours begin one-half hour before sunrise except in the four southwest WMAs where the pheasant hunting starts at 10:00 A.M. Hunting on opening day in Areas 2 and 3 begins at noon. Hunters should refer to the Upland Bird regulations guide for changes, which are highlighted in yellow. For more information on upland bird hunting in Idaho pick up a 2004-2005 regulation guide or visit the Idaho Fish and Game website at http://fishandgame.Idaho.gov.