Utah’s general pheasant hunting season opened over the weekend and runs through December 6th. Wildlife officials are letting hunters know to expect a more adult-heavy harvest. Smaller and fewer brood have been observed this year due to the dry conditions. "If you don't have a dog, you can still be successful by walking slowly, which can cause pheasants to flush," shares DWR Upland Game Coordinator Heather Talley. "Many times, they will flush if you stand near them for a few moments because they think they've been spotted." Walking along ditch banks or fence lines is also a good hunting strategy. Pen-reared pheasants will be released on various wildlife management areas and Walk-in Access properties around the state each week during the general-season hunt. Browns Park WMA, Stewart Lake WMA, Pariette Wetlands BLM, Little Montes Creek WMA, Kevin Conway WMA, and Starvation State Park are each listed on the map as 2026 Pheasant Release Areas. The release areas will vary from week to week. Learn more about hunting upland game in Utah at wildlife.utah.gov/uplandgame.
Photo: DWR