Pheasant

Photo of a male ring-necked pheasant walking on the ground.
In fall and winter, pheasants eat grain and other seeds, leaves, roots, berries, nuts, and some insects.
Noppadol Paothong
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Photo of a male ring-necked pheasant walking on the ground.

Long-tailed and chicken-like. The adult male is an iridescent mix of bronze, green, and black, with a red fleshy patch of skin around the eye and usually a white ring around the neck. The female is brown with a pointed tail, not rounded as in grouse and prairie-chickens. The voice of male is a harsh two-syllable SCAA-konk; the hen’s is a soft keea, keea.

Topic Category
Hunting / Fishing Guide
Regulations
Seasons
Biological Information
Ring-Necked Pheasant
Seasons
Pheasant

Photo of a male ring-necked pheasant walking on the ground.

Season Not Open
Pheasant: Hunting: Youth
  • October 28, 2023 - October 29, 2023
Notes

Open to youths age 6 through 15. Youths who are not hunter-education certified must hunt in the immediate presence of a properly licensed adult; however, the adult may not hunt pheasants.

Only male pheasants may be taken. A foot or fully-feathered head must be left attached during transportation and storage.

Daily limit: 2 male pheasants
Possession limit: 4 male pheasants

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Small Game Hunting Permit, Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit, Lifetime Conservation Partner (Hunting and Fishing) Permit (residents only), Lifetime Small Game Hunting Permit (residents only)

Pheasant: Hunting: Allowed Methods

Shotgun

Additional Info

Special Provision During the Firearms Deer Season: During the November portion statewide and antlerless portion in open counties, shot must be no larger than No. 4. This restriction does not apply to landowners hunting on land they own.

Season Open
Pheasant: Hunting
  • November 1, 2023 - January 15, 2024
Notes

Only male pheasants may be taken. A foot or fully-feathered head must be left attached during transportation and storage.

Daily limit: 2 male pheasants
Possession limit: 4 male pheasants

+ see more - show less
Small Game Hunting Permit, Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit, Nonresident Daily Small Game Permit, Lifetime Conservation Partner (Hunting and Fishing) Permit (residents only), Lifetime Small Game Hunting Permit (residents only), Military Reduced Cost Permit

Pheasant: Hunting: Allowed Methods

Shotgun

Additional Info

Special Provision During the Firearms Deer Season: During the November portion statewide and antlerless portion in open counties, shot must be no larger than No. 4. This restriction does not apply to landowners hunting on land they own.