Pheasant Season Is Now Open!

The fall 2025 pheasant hunting season has officially opened, much to the excitement of hunters across Wisconsin. Beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, the season will run through Sunday, January 4, 2026. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued a reminder for both seasoned hunters and newcomers to take advantage of this annual opportunity. During the opening weekend (October 18-19), hunters are permitted to bag one rooster per daya regulation that encourages responsible hunting practices. Starting Monday, October 20, this daily limit increases to two roosters per day, which will remain in effect for the rest of the season. For those venturing into designated rooster and hen hunting areas, both females and males can be harvested, offering varied hunting strategies throughout the expansive landscape of Wisconsin. This season, the DNR is set to stock approximately 75,000 pheasants on over 80 properties throughout the state. This stocking effort is designed to enhance the hunting experience and boost local wildlife populations. The release schedule is tailored to peak hunting periods, with birds introduced once before the initial hunting weekend and then continuing twice a week for the first two to three weeks of the season. Post-Thanksgiving, stocking will decrease to about once a week as hunters prepare for the nine-day gun deer season starting November 23. To aid these hunters, the DNR's Fields and Forest Lands Interactive Gamebird Hunting Tool is a valuable resource, offering aerial maps and topography features that pinpoint exact locations stocked with pheasants. By utilizing such advanced tools, hunters can better plan their excursions and increase their chances of success. However, as the outdoor hunting conditions are dynamic, hunters are encouraged to stay informed about property regulations, including designated hunting hours, as several locations will close at noon on weekdays beginning October 20 until November 2. Safety is paramount during pheasant season, and hunters are reminded to adhere strictly to the basic tenets of firearm safety. This includes treating every firearm as if it is loaded, always pointing the muzzle away from oneself and others, and wearing visible colors such as blaze orange or pink to enhance safety while in the field. In Wisconsin, during any gun deer season, a minimum of 50% of clothing above the waist must adhere to these visibility requirements unless specifically hunting waterfowl. Pheasant hunting has long been a beloved tradition in Wisconsin, fostering community engagement and promoting outdoor activities among residents and visitors alike. As the genre of hunting evolves, with younger generations embracing this pastime, the importance of safety and education in the field becomes increasingly critical. The DNRs continued investment in wildlife resources and hunting opportunities not only supports the ecosystem but also reinvigorates a sense of heritage rooted in Wisconsins outdoor culture.