The DNR plans to stock approximately 75,000 pheasants from the state game farm on over 80 properties statewide. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters that the state’s 2023 pheasant season opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14 and will run through Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.
Pheasant hunters need a valid small game license and a 2023 Pheasant Stamp, which can be purchased through the Go Wild website or at a license sales location.
There is a special daily bag limit of one rooster per day over opening weekend, Oct. 14-15. Starting Monday, Oct. 16, the daily bag limit increases to two roosters per day. This limit will remain in place for the remainder of the season. Hunters may harvest a rooster or hen when hunting in designated hen and rooster hunting areas (see page 18 of the hunting regulations for a list of these areas).
Several pheasant hunting properties close at noon on weekdays beginning Oct. 16 and running through Nov. 3. Hunters are encouraged to double-check the legal shooting hours on the properties they intend to hunt and consult the DNR’s hunting rules and regulations before going out.
The DNR plans to stock approximately 75,000 pheasants from the state game farm on over 80 properties statewide. Depending on production levels, pheasants are released once before the pheasant hunting season and twice a week for the first two to three weeks of the season. After that, birds are released about once a week until the 9-day gun deer season opens on Nov. 18.
Hunters can use the DNR’s Fields and Forest Lands Interactive Gamebird Hunting Tool (FFLIGHT) to locate properties stocked with game farm pheasants. FFLIGHT allows hunters to use aerial maps, topography and measuring tools to identify areas of interest and make their trips more productive and enjoyable.
Due to changing habitat conditions, Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area and Liberty Creek Wildlife Area, both in Green County, will not have pheasants released this season. Hunters can visit the DNR’s Pheasant Stocking Information webpage to check the status of a specific property.
Pheasant hunters are reminded to practice TAB-K while afield:
T – Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
A – Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
B – Be certain of your target and what’s beyond it.
K – Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.
Additionally, hunters are encouraged to wear blaze orange or pink while pheasant hunting to increase visibility for other hunters and outdoor recreators. Blaze orange or pink is required during open gun deer seasons.
For more information, including complete pheasant hunting regulations, hunting hours and helpful tips, visit the DNR’s Pheasant Hunting webpage.
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