Tony Peterson and his bird dog, Sadie, hit the cattail sloughs of Minnesota in search of pheasants. These public-land birds have been pressured for weeks, so Tony ventures deep into the thick wetlands bordering nearby farms, where the birds have found refuge. With the whitetail rut winding down, it’s time for Tony and Sadie to scratch that public-land rooster itch. Presented by @scheels #fueledbynature #meateater
We’d already pushed through a big, grassy swale that looked birdy enough, but only produced a lone rooster. After huddling over an onX map, our small orange army decided to head for the shelter belt on the far north edge of the field. With two hunters set as blockers, the dogs worked the trees while the rest of us walked the edges.
Midway through three roosters flushed wild, rocketing up and out of shotgun range to the other side of the property. A dog whined, begging to go after them, but we resisted the faraway temptation. It was late December and those cagey birds weren’t likely to hold for long.
Besides, we had other places to go — more than 44,000 acres of private yet huntable land on the prairies of western Nebraska. And we’d get plenty more shots on wild birds, both pheasants and prairie chickens. All this acreage had recently been enrolled in the Nebraska Community Access Partnership, which is part of a new public-access initiative led by Pheasants Forever, with support from onX, Nebraska Environmental Trust, and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
The NCAP builds on the state’s successful Open Fields and Water program, which pays willing landowners to allow public walk-in hunting access. At $25 per acre for high-quality CRP, and $10 per acre for rangelands and grasslands, PF’s new program offers these landowners an even bigger incentive to enroll their lands in OFW under a five-year contract. (These one-time incentives are on top of the annual OFW payments of 50 cents to $15 per acre that private landowners receive from the state.) As part of that contract, and to maintain high-quality habitat, participating landowners can’t graze or hay the acreage during those five years. The only exception to the rule is limited management of grasslands.
Since it was established in 2024, the NCAP has focused mainly on properties in a six-county region around Ogallala. The area is already a tourist hub in the summer months, and PF’s Nebraska state coordinator Kelsi Wehrman says the local community has welcomed the prospect of bringing in more hunters during the fall and winter months.
The NCAP is also part of a much larger initiative that PF calls the Public Access to Habitat Program. It started in South Dakota, where it’s helped open nearly 70,000 acres of private land to public hunters. PF is also adding acreage in North Dakota, Michigan, and Oklahoma.
At a time when federal funding for walk-in hunting programs is limited to non-existent, new programs like these are even more important for hunters and local landowners. They’re also a major benefit for the surrounding communities and small businesses that benefit from the economic boost hunters bring.
“It definitely brings a lot to an area where we have more landowners who are interested in enrolling [in walk-in access] than we have federal funding available,” says Wehrman. “And just in these first two years, the landowner response has been incredible.”
Wehrman explains that so far, they’ve enrolled roughly 57,000 acres in Keith, Arthur, Garden, Deuel, and Perkins counties. More than 20,000 of those acres have been added since January.
“Initially, the effort has been around getting as many acres available to hunters as possible, and I feel like we’ve met that … Our original goal was 25,000 acres over three years, so it’s even more than we expected,” says Wehrman, noting that last year’s enrollment included some large tracts of grassland that’s home to prairie chickens and sharpies.. “This year, we focused more on smaller properties where you’d find pheasants, like pivot corners and traditional CRP.”
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is gearing up for the opening of pheasant season on Saturday, Oct. 11, with a significant release of pheasants across the state.
This fall, FWP plans to release nearly 18,000 birds on wildlife management areas, fishing access sites, and some school trust lands.
This week alone, almost 2,000 pheasants will be released at various sites.
The initiative is part of the fourth year of the annual pheasant release program, which was approved by the Fish and Wildlife Commission in 2022 to release up to 50,000 pheasants annually through 2026.
The program, authorized by the Legislature in 2021, allows for spending up to $1 million each year.
The following was sent out by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks:
The purpose of the pheasant release program is to give new hunters an opportunity to experience hunting success, encouraging their future participation in conservation around the state. In Montana, like other states, fish and wildlife conservation is fundedprimarily through license dollars. Hunting and fishing are an active way to support wildlife management, habitat protection and conservation efforts.
To see a map of the release sites, go to fwp.mt.gov/hunt/roosters-for-recruitment. For more information on hunting pheasants and other upland game birds, go to fwp.mt.gov/hunt/regulations/upland-game-bird. To read the upland game bird forecast, click here. As hunters head into the field, they should keepbear safetyin mind and remember the potential forfire danger.
Read the full NBC Montana article
Join Pheasants Forever's Tom Carpenter and onX's Ben Brettingen to learn how to scout and hunt pheasants more effectively.
“Surveys conducted this spring looked promising entering the breeding season, and with good habitat conditions, good production is expected,” said Bryan O’Connor, upland game program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Pheasant
Statewide pheasant counts during this year’s April rural mail carrier survey increased 83% compared to 2024 and saw increases in all six pheasant management regions. However, statewide during our July rural mail carrier survey we calculated a 12% drop in comparison to 2024, and mixed results were observed at the management region scale.
According to surveys, the Panhandle and Southwest pheasant management regions should support some of the higher pheasant densities this fall. The Central, Northeast, and Sandhills management regions all saw increases this year compared to 2024. The Central management region also exceeded the 5-year and 10-year averages, while the Northeast exceeded the 10-year average. Pheasant habitat within these regions are relatively isolated, but where quality cover exists, hunters should find good pheasant hunting opportunities.
Read the full Nebraska’s Upland Game Bird Hunting Outlook
Kansas 2025 spring Pheasant crowing count RESULTS
Range-wide
The 2024 PCSI was 10.61 crows per stop across all 64 surveyed routes. Among the 57 comparable routes (sampled both years by same observer), there was a significant increase (P < 0.001) in the statewide meanfrom 2024 (49%). The PCSI decreased on 15 of the comparable routes and increased or remained the same on the remaining 42 comparable routes relative to 2024 (Table 1).
Flint Hills: All 7 of the established routes were completed. The regional PCSI was 3.95, indicating no significant change from 2024 (P = 0.328). Glaciated Plains: All 6 of the established routes were completed. The regional PCSI was 1.45, indicating no significant change from 2024 (P = 0.220).
Northern High Plains: All 12 established routes were completed. The regional PCSI was 18.62, indicating a significant increase from 2024 (P = 0.079). Smoky Hills: All 21 of the established routes were completed, the regional PCSI was 9.93, indicating a significant increase from 2024 (P = 0.005).
Southern High Plains: All 7 of the established survey routes were completed in this region. The regional PCSI was 19.65, indicating a significant increase from 2024 (P = 0.0). South-
Central Prairies: Of the 12 established routes 11 were completed this year. The regional PCSI was 8.52, indicating no significant change from 2024 (P = 0.201)
Read the full KS Outdoors Report
The numbers are in, and North Dakota pheasant numbers are similar to last year, the Game and Fish Department said Monday, Sept. 8, in reporting results from its annual roadside surveys conducted in late July and August.
Total pheasants observed (91.6 per 100 miles) are down 3% from last year, and broods (11.4 per 100 miles) are down 1%, the department said. The average brood size (5.1) is down 6%. Despite the slight declines, the statewide number of pheasants observed per 100 miles is 48% above the 10-year average, Game and Fish said. The final summary is based on 285 survey runs made along 100 brood routes across North Dakota.
Here’s a look at pheasant numbers by region:
The southwest and northwest districts also had the highest pheasant numbers in spring crowing count surveys, which were up 6% from 2024 across the state’s primary pheasant range, the Game and Fish Department reported in late June. Observers tallied 31.1 crows per stop in the southwest during the spring survey, up from 28.8 in 2024; and 21.3 crows per stop in the northwest, down from 21.5 in 2024.
Read the full Grad Forks Herald article
Tom Kirschenmann predicted that hunters would harvest more pheasants in South Dakota this season than they did last year.
“I would not be surprised to see 1.5 million birds harvested this year,” Kirschenmann told state Game, Fish and Parks Commission members during their meeting in Rapid City.
He added, “It’s hard to drive anywhere in South Dakota right now and not see upland birds, whether it’s pheasant or grouse.”
Hunters took an estimated 1.3 million wild pheasants and an estimated 99,000 sharptailed grouse and prairie chickens in South Dakota during 2024.
The 2025 grouse hunting season opens on Saturday, September 20.
Pheasant hunting opens gradually. First comes a youth-only season September 27 through October 5, open on public and private land. Next is a residents-only season, limited to public lands, that runs October 11-13. Then comes the full season opener on Saturday, October 18, running through January 31, 2026.
Alex Solem is the upland game biologist for the Wildlife Division that’s part of the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department. He told the commission on Friday that the estimated harvest of 1.3 million pheasants during the 2024 season was based on surveys of 15,000 residents and 15,000 nonresidents and doesn’t include the approximately 400,000 pen-raised birds that hunters took at shooting preserves.
Read the full KELO article
“The mild winter really put us over the top this year,” said Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife research biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “Our adult hen survival was excellent; our adult rooster survival was excellent. That really drove the population increase.”
Bogenschutz coordinates the annual August roadside survey of small game populations, covering 225 30-mile routes. The 2025 survey counted more pheasants, quail, cottontail rabbits and partridge than last year. The survey results are available online by clicking the 100 Years of Pheasant Hunting promo at www.iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey.
“Chick survival wasn’t as good as last year, but we had so many more nests that it offset the drop in the number of chicks per hen,” he said. Statewide, staff reported 1,038 pheasant broods, which is 338 more than last year.
“We had an early hatch which is good because the nesting season got wet later and that may have impacted chick survival or re-nesting efforts,” Bogenschutz said.
The statewide average of 28 birds per route is the highest since 2005. Regionally, the northwest region was the highest since 2005; northeast region was the highest since 1998; west central similar to last year; east central highest sense 2007; south central highest since 2017; and southeast, highest since 2020.
Bogenschutz said if hunter participation is similar to 2023, the pheasant harvest could be in the 600,000-700,000 range.
“Last year was a decent year for pheasant hunting. 2023 was a good year for pheasant hunting. This year could be excellent,” he said.
The Iowa DNR and Pheasants Forever are celebrating 100 years of pheasant hunting in the Hawkeye State. The first season was held Oct. 20-22, 1925, when 13 counties in north central Iowa were opened to pheasant hunting. Hunters were allowed a three-rooster limit, for a half-day of hunting. An estimated 75,000 hunters participated.
Hunters can commemorate the 100th anniversary by purchasing a hard card featuring Iowa Pheasants Forever Print of the Year. Pheasants Forever is offering commemorative apparel featuring both the 100 Years of Pheasant Hunting graphic and PF logo through an online, pop-up store. The store will be accepting apparel orders as the pheasant season approaches.
Pheasant numbers in the 2025 Minnesota August Roadside Survey were up nearly 50% from 2024 and 21% above the 10-year average, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
“The increase in pheasant numbers across the state and all regions is great news,” said Steven Woodley, acting upland game research scientist. “Our milder winter likely helped the overwinter survival of hens, and the drier and warmer spring created better conditions for nesting and brood-rearing relative to last year.”
This year’s statewide pheasant index was 75 birds per 100 miles of roads driven, compared to 51 in 2024. Pheasant numbers increased in every region. Compared to 2024, pheasant numbers increased the most in the southeast region (189%), followed by the southwest (86%), east central (82%), south central (40%), central (33%), and west central (19%) regions.
Pheasant numbers are also above their 10-year averages in every region within the pheasant range. The regions with the highest indices include the southwest (152 birds per 100 miles), south central (82 birds per 100 miles), and west central (76 birds per 100 miles), followed by the central region (59 birds per 100 miles).
There were four chicks per brood, the same as in 2024; however, there were 81 broods per 100 hens, an increase from 77 broods per 100 hens in 2024.
“The increase in brood numbers is welcome after their decline last year due to wet spring conditions,” Woodley said.
Weather and habitat are the main influences on Minnesota’s pheasant population trends. Weather causes annual fluctuations in pheasant numbers, while habitat drives long-term population trends.
Winter weather conditions were favorable for adult pheasant populations. And with little snow cover and warmer spring conditions, early nests and young broods before June rains probably did well, while nests that hatched during the rainy period in June likely suffered.
Additionally, this year’s later hatch date indicates that some nests hatched after the June rain, which may have helped boost the population by allowing them to avoid the worst weather. Long term, there is nothing to suggest that some areas’ increase in pheasant numbers will continue as a trend.
The Minnesota pheasant hunting season opens at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11.
Pheasant hunting areas
Many publicly owned lands are open to hunting, as are private lands enrolled in the state’s Walk-in-Access program. Hunters can use the Minnesota DNR’s online mapping tools to find WMAs by accessing the WMA finder and the Minnesota DNR Recreation Compass to help locate state hunting grounds and private lands enrolled in the Walk-In Access program, including updates on the condition of specific properties.
Habitat factors
Suitable pheasant habitat fluctuates in response to agricultural conservation program enrollment, such as in the Conservation Reserve Program. Habitat set-aside programs, and especially the CRP, play a large role in providing habitat for pheasants in Minnesota.
The program, authorized under the federal Farm Bill, pays farmers to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and restore vegetation that reduces soil erosion, improves water quality, and provides habitat for wildlife and pollinators.
In 2025, there was an almost 80,000-acre increase in private lands enrolled in CRP, along with a 14,000-acre rise in federal public lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service compared to 2024. Private lands enrolled in Reinvest in Minnesota and public wildlife management areas managed by the DNR also grew by approximately 4,400 and 7,100 acres, respectively, from 2024. Additionally, private lands enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program increased by around 1,400 acres compared to 2024. Overall, there was a net gain of approximately 106,000 acres of protected wildlife habitat compared to 2024.
Here are the top 10 states for pheasant hunting and what makes each one worth the trip.
South Dakota stands at the very top of any list of best pheasant hunting states. Known as the “Pheasant Capital of the World,” it produces more birds and draws more hunters than anywhere else in the U.S. With abundant grasslands, cornfields, and CRP acres, the state supports incredible bird numbers year after year. Popular areas include Aberdeen, Mitchell, and Pierre.
Best For: High bird densities, public and private guided hunts, and a true pheasant hunting tradition.
North Dakota offers hunters a mix of wide-open spaces and excellent bird numbers. The southwestern region is particularly strong, with prime habitat in crop stubble, shelterbelts, and grasslands. Thanks to the state’s Private Lands Open To Sportsmen (PLOTS) program, hunters can enjoy thousands of acres of access.
Best For: DIY pheasant hunters who want access to quality public land.
Once known as one of the best pheasant states in the country, Iowa’s bird numbers are climbing again thanks to habitat restoration. Northern and northwestern Iowa provide some of the most reliable hunting opportunities. With a solid access program in place, Iowa is regaining its spot as a top pheasant hunting destination in the Midwest.
Best For: Hunters looking for classic Midwest pheasant hunts close to home.
Minnesota’s western and southwestern counties are prime pheasant hunting areas, especially with the abundance of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and Walk-In Access lands. These regions consistently hold good bird numbers, making Minnesota one of the best pheasant hunting states for public land opportunities.
Best For: Public land hunters who want strong access options.
Nebraska combines strong pheasant hunting with opportunities for quail. The southwest and panhandle regions hold the best populations, supported by the state’s Open Fields and Waters program. This makes Nebraska an underrated but highly rewarding choice for upland bird hunting trips.
Best For: Hunters who want to chase both pheasants and quail in the same trip.
Kansas consistently ranks among the best states for pheasant hunting. North-central and northwestern Kansas provide the highest bird densities, and the Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) program adds millions of acres for hunters to explore.
Best For: Access to huge tracts of private farmland open to the public.
Montana offers a different style of pheasant hunting, with its northeastern prairies and river valleys producing healthy populations. While bird numbers per acre aren’t as high as in South Dakota, the scenery and vast landscapes make it one of the most unique pheasant hunting states.
Best For: Hunters looking for wide-open country and a Western hunting experience.
Northeastern Colorado provides the state’s best pheasant hunting, particularly in areas with irrigated agriculture and CRP fields. Colorado’s Walk-In Access Program ensures hunters can pursue pheasants across productive private farmlands.
Best For: Combining pheasant hunting with a Colorado adventure trip.
Northern and central Illinois offer solid pheasant hunting, with habitat programs supporting bird populations. While opportunities aren’t as vast as the Plains states, Illinois remains one of the best pheasant hunting destinations in the Midwest.
Best For: Midwestern hunters seeking accessible day trips.
Wisconsin rounds out the list with a mix of wild and released pheasant hunting. The southern and western regions provide the most productive opportunities, especially on state-managed lands.
Best For: Hunters who want reliable access and a mix of wild and stocked birds.
If you’re planning your next trip and wondering where to hunt pheasants in the U.S., these 10 states offer the best opportunities. From the world-class fields of South Dakota to underrated gems like Nebraska and Colorado, each state provides something unique for upland hunters.
Whether you’re looking for public land pheasant hunting or guided private land hunts, these states deliver world-class experiences for every skill level.
Pheasants Forever is a nonprofit conservation group that works to improve habitat and expand public access to hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts. The group’s Ziebach County project is the largest single enrollment of the PATH initiative, which launched in South Dakota and Nebraska in 2023.
With this addition, the program has opened 62,581 acres of privately owned land to public access across South Dakota through 59 contracts in 31 counties.
Acres enrolled in South Dakota’s Walk-In Area program can be found on Game, Fish and Parks’ Public Hunting Atlas.
Read the full Aberdeen News article
The DNR reported the 2025 average pheasant observations at 0.81 pheasants per stop, an increase from 2024 at 0.62 pheasants per stop. For the second year in a row, the count remains above the most recent five-year average (0.52 pheasants per stop).
DNR wildlife biologists use a measurement known as an abundance index to assess the state's wild pheasant population each year. On trend from past years, abundance was highest in the northwestern part of Wisconsin's pheasant range and lowest in the east-central region.
The DNR thanks the agencies and groups that helped collect data via roadside surveys. For more information regarding pheasant hunting and management, visit the DNR's Pheasant Hunting and Management webpage.
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Spring Ring-Necked Pheasant Survey 2025
By Chris Pollentier, Taylor Finger, Jes Rees Lohr, and Paul Frater
Abstract
Eighty-one of 83 spring ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) survey routes were completed in 2025. The average number of pheasants recorded during the 6-minute survey at each stop was 0.81 pheasants/stop, which was an increase over 2024 (0.62 pheasants/stop) and was above the 5-year average from 2019–2024 (0.52 pheasants/stop).
The estimated statewide abundance index was 1,115 roosters in 2025 and was higher than the 2024 abundance index of 852 roosters. Abundance
indices remained highest in the northwestern counties compared to counties in east-central and southern Wisconsin.
Results
Trend analysis – In 2025, 81 of 83 (97.6%) pheasant survey routes throughout the state were completed during the spring survey period. The average number of pheasants recorded during each 6-minute survey stop in 2025 was 0.81 pheasants/stop (SE = 0.05) and was greater than results from 2024 (0.62 pheasants/stop, SE = 0.04; Table 1).
The statewide average number of pheasants per stop in 2025 was 55% higher than the 5-year average of 0.52 pheasants/stop from 2019–2024 (95% CI = 0.49–0.55; Figure 2).
Detection rates and abundance estimates – Probability of detection varied among regions of the state, ranging from 75.4% to 92.2% (Table 2).Estimated pheasant
abundance indices along survey routes were highest in the northwest portion of the state and lowest in east-central Wisconsin (Table 2). The statewide pheasant abundance index derived from the 2025 survey was 1,115 roosters (95% CI = 1,075.5–
1,171.2) and was greater than the 2024 survey estimate of 852 roosters (95% CI = 830.8–879.7; Table 3).
Statistical modeling at the statewide scale indicated that pheasant detectability varied across regions and was most influenced by stop number and noise disturbance. Pheasants were encountered more often in Region 1 (northwest Wisconsin) compared to other regions of the state and were most likely to be detected early in the morning nearest to sunrise (i.e., during the first 5 stops of a route) and absent any noise interference (i.e., passing vehicles). At the regional scale, stop number and noise disturbance influenced detection of pheasants in Region 1. In Region 2, stop number and wind speed (i.e., pheasants were better detected when there was little to no wind) influenced pheasant detection probability. And in Region 3, stop number and sky conditions (i.e., lesser amounts of cloud cover) had the most impact on pheasant detection probability.
The primary regions holding pheasants showed 31.1 crows per stop in the southwest, up from 28.8 in 2024; 21.3 crows per stop in the northwest, down from 21.5; and 18.6 crows per stop in the southeast, up from 16.2. The count in the northeast, which is not a primary region for pheasants, was 6.5 crows per stop, up from 5 last year.
Barring untimely heavy rains, cool weather or hail, Gross expects more good news as the peak of the pheasant hatch is upon us.
“Entering the nesting season, residual grass cover looked good,” Gross said. “The timely May rains caused increased growth in nesting and brood rearing cover across the state. Combined with high overwinter survival the past two years and near ideal nesting habitat conditions, things are looking good for upland birds in portions of North Dakota.”
Pheasant crowing counts are conducted each spring throughout North Dakota. Observers drive specified 20-mile routes, stopping at predetermined intervals, and counting the number of roosters heard crowing over a 2-minute period.
The number of pheasant crows heard is compared to previous years’ data, providing a trend summary.
Watch the spring pheasant crowing count webcast with R.J. Gross.
"The 2024 South Dakota pheasant season was absolutely spectacular," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "Hunters come from across the world to enjoy South Dakota's pheasant season because they know they are going to find, and harvest birds, which makes South Dakota truly the greatest state to pheasant hunt.”
This claim is supported by these harvest numbers, with South Dakota harvesting more roosters in two weeks of October than any other state during their entire season.
A deeper dive into the hunter harvest data indicates how strong the pheasant season was, with approximately 9 birds per hunter averaged for the season.
“Habitat and access have been a top priority for the department, and that has played a key role in both abundant bird numbers and ample locations for hunters to target them," said Kevin Robling, GFP Secretary. "We are extremely pleased with the success of the 2024 season and plan to build on this success for 2025."
This is accomplished by partnering with landowners and ag producers through habitat programs offered by the State of South Dakota, the federal government, and multiple conservation groups working together to put more habitat acres on the landscape.
Approximately 80% of South Dakota is privately owned, which means landowners and ag producers are at the front line of habitat management.
“Conservation is a team effort, and South Dakota’s conservation delivery team is truly amazing,” elaborated Robling. “Taking care of the land is important to us as South Dakotans, and this land ethic mindset is what results in abundant wildlife populations.”
One example of these programs would be the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) on the James River and Big Sioux River valleys, which provides the benefits of CRP with the additional component of access.
Located in the northwest part of the state, Beaver River WMA is one of Oklahoma’s best spots for pheasant hunting. The mix of croplands, grasslands, and wetlands provides ideal habitat for ring-necked pheasants. Hunters should focus on areas near milo, wheat, and sunflower fields for the best chances.
The Oklahoma Panhandle, particularly Cimarron County, offers some of the most consistent pheasant hunting in the state. The region’s dry climate and agricultural fields create perfect conditions for pheasants. Public hunting lands in this area are worth scouting, especially near water sources and shelterbelts.
Situated in western Oklahoma, Packsaddle WMA provides good pheasant hunting opportunities thanks to its mix of grasslands and crop fields. The area is managed for quail as well, so hunters may find both species while walking the fields. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to hunt here.
Located near the Texas border, Cooper WMA has a mix of prairie grasslands and agricultural fields that attract pheasants. While not as densely populated as some northern states, patient hunters can still find success, especially near food plots and brushy cover.
Oklahoma’s Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) program allows hunters to access private lands for free. Many of these areas in the northwest part of the state hold pheasants, particularly where grain fields and grassy cover intersect. Always check the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) maps for open WIHA locations before hunting.
While Oklahoma may not be the top pheasant hunting destination in the U.S., it still offers solid opportunities for dedicated hunters. By targeting the right areas—particularly in the northwest and Panhandle regions—and using smart hunting strategies, you can enjoy a successful pheasant hunt in the Sooner State.
For more information on public hunting lands and regulations, visit the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website. Happy hunting!
Why Hunt Here?
Yuma
is Arizona’s top destination for pheasant hunting, thanks to its
agricultural fields, irrigation canals, and dense cover that provide
ideal habitat for pheasants. The Arizona Game & Fish Department
(AZGFD) regularly stocks pheasants in this area during the season,
making it a reliable spot for hunters.
Key Locations:
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge (limited access, check regulations)
Yuma Valley Agriculture Fields (private land—permission required)
Public Hunting Areas near the Colorado River
Tips:
Focus on edges of alfalfa and cotton fields.
Early morning hunts are most productive.
Why Hunt Here?
The
riparian zones and farmlands along the Colorado River near Bullhead
City and Lake Havasu provide excellent pheasant habitat. Stocking
efforts by AZGFD ensure decent bird numbers.
Key Locations:
Topock Marsh (requires a permit)
Agricultural areas near Fort Mohave
Hunt Unit 16B (check AZGFD maps)
Tips:
Hunt near water sources and thick vegetation.
Late-season hunts can be productive after stocking.
Why Hunt Here?
Pinal
County’s mix of farmland and desert grasslands supports a small but
huntable pheasant population. The area around Eloy and Maricopa is
particularly good.
Key Locations:
Santa Cruz Flats (private land—seek permission)
Public hunting areas near Red Rock
Tips:
Focus on weedy ditch banks and crop field edges.
Hunting with a dog improves success rates.
Why Hunt Here?
Though
not as densely populated as Yuma, the Verde Valley’s river bottoms and
irrigated farmlands hold wild and stocked pheasants.
Key Locations:
Camp Verde area
Private ranches (permission required)
Tips:
Scout near alfalfa fields and along the Verde River.
Late-season hunts may yield better results.
Why Hunt Here?
While
not a traditional pheasant hotspot, Wilcox Playa’s grasslands and
agricultural areas occasionally hold pheasants, especially near stocked
locations.
Key Locations:
Willcox Agriculture Fields
Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area
Tips:
Check AZGFD stocking reports before planning a trip.
Better for mixed-bag hunting (quail, dove).
Season & Regulations: Arizona’s pheasant season typically runs November–February. Always check the latest AZGFD regulations for dates, bag limits, and license requirements.
Stocking Program: Most pheasant hunting relies on stocked birds, so focus on areas where AZGFD releases pheasants.
Private Land Access: Much of the best habitat is on private farmland. Always get landowner permission before hunting.
Use a Dog: A well-trained bird dog greatly increases success in Arizona’s thick cover.
Blaze Orange: Required for safety, especially on public lands.
While Arizona may not be the first state that comes to mind for pheasant hunting, areas like Yuma, Mohave County, and Pinal County offer solid opportunities—especially during stocked seasons. By focusing on agricultural zones, river bottoms, and AZGFD-managed areas, hunters can enjoy a unique Southwestern pheasant hunt.
For the latest updates on stocking locations and regulations, visit the Arizona Game & Fish Department website. Happy hunting!
State officials acknowledge there’s no data evidence showing the bounty program is increasing the pheasant population.
Implemented in 2019, the nest predator bounty program’s goal is to protect pheasant and duck nests by paying residents for killing predators such as raccoons and red foxes. Participants receive $10 for every tail they turn in. The program has cost the state $4.4 million to date.
A three-year study started in 2007 showed increased nest success in both areas where predators were trapped and left alone. Mixed results suggest pheasant habitat plays a more important role than predator removal.
The state previously conducted surveys of hatched pheasants and hens to gauge the population but ended the count in 2019 out of concern that low numbers deterred hunters from visiting South Dakota.
In February, House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach, R-Spearfish, introduced a bill to terminate the program. It failed to pass.
By PheasantHunter.com staff
Located in western Minnesota, Lac qui Parle County is renowned for its high pheasant population and excellent public hunting lands. The Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a prime location, offering over 33,000 acres of habitat ideal for pheasants. The mix of grasslands, wetlands, and croplands creates the perfect environment for these birds to thrive. During the pheasant opener, this area is bustling with hunters, so be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot.
Adjacent to Lac qui Parle, Big Stone County is another hotspot for pheasant hunting. The Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding WMAs provide ample opportunities for hunters. The county’s rolling hills and diverse habitat make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The pheasant population here is consistently strong, thanks to effective conservation efforts and habitat management.
Pipestone County, located in the southwestern corner of Minnesota, is a hidden gem for pheasant hunters. The area is characterized by its prairie grasslands and agricultural fields, which are ideal for pheasants. The Pipestone WMA and other public lands offer excellent hunting opportunities. The county’s relatively low hunting pressure compared to other regions makes it an attractive destination for those seeking a more solitary experience.
In central Minnesota, Nicollet County is known for its productive pheasant hunting grounds. The Seven Mile Creek County Park and other public lands provide hunters with access to prime pheasant habitat. The county’s mix of grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural fields supports a healthy pheasant population. Nicollet County is also conveniently located near the Twin Cities, making it an accessible option for urban hunters.
Redwood County, located in the southwestern part of the state, is another top destination for pheasant hunters. The county boasts a strong pheasant population, supported by its extensive grasslands and agricultural fields. The Redwood Falls area, in particular, is known for its excellent hunting opportunities. Public lands such as the Ramsey Park WMA and other state-owned properties provide hunters with plenty of options.
Murray County, situated in the southwestern region of Minnesota, is a favorite among pheasant hunters. The county’s diverse landscape, which includes grasslands, wetlands, and croplands, creates ideal conditions for pheasants. The Murray County WMA and other public lands offer hunters access to some of the best habitat in the state. The area’s relatively low hunting pressure makes it a great choice for those looking to avoid the crowds.
Lincoln County, located in the southwestern part of Minnesota, is another excellent destination for pheasant hunting. The county’s mix of grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural fields provides ideal habitat for pheasants. The Lincoln County WMA and other public lands offer hunters plenty of opportunities to pursue these birds. The area’s strong pheasant population and relatively low hunting pressure make it a top choice for many hunters.
Scout Ahead: Before heading out, take the time to scout the area you plan to hunt. Look for signs of pheasant activity, such as tracks, droppings, and feathers.
Hunt Early or Late: Pheasants are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Plan your hunt accordingly to increase your chances of success.
Use a Well-Trained Dog: A good bird dog can be invaluable when hunting pheasants. Breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointers, and English Setters are popular choices.
Wear Appropriate Gear: Blaze orange is required for safety, and sturdy boots are essential for navigating Minnesota’s varied terrain.
Respect Private Land: Always obtain permission before hunting on private property, and be sure to follow all state hunting regulations.
Minnesota offers some of the best pheasant hunting opportunities in the country, thanks to its diverse habitat and strong pheasant populations. Whether you’re hunting in the grasslands of Lac qui Parle County or the agricultural fields of Redwood County, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. So grab your gear, bring your dog, and head out to one of these top spots for a successful pheasant hunt in Minnesota. Happy hunting!
