COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ring-necked pheasant hunters have the chance to pursue this popular game bird when the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife releases the birds at 28 of Ohio’s public hunting areas in late October and November. More than 14,000 rooster pheasants are scheduled to be released to provide put-and-take hunting opportunities across the state.
The Division of Wildlife will release pheasants for the following dates:
- Oct. 24-25 (first youth weekend)
- Oct. 31-Nov. 1 (second youth weekend)
- Nov. 6, 2020 (opening day)
- Nov. 11, 2020 (Veterans Day)
- Nov. 26, 2020 (Thanksgiving Day)
Pheasants will be released in the following locations:
- Central Ohio: Delaware Wildlife Area.
- Northwest Ohio: Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area, Oxbow Wildlife Area, Resthaven Wildlife Area, Ringneck Ridge Metro Park, Tiffin River Wildlife Area, and Wyandot Wildlife Area. Youth and regular pheasant hunting within the Ringneck Ridge Area in Sandusky County require a free permit from the Sandusky County Park District.
- Northeast Ohio: Camp Belden Wildlife Area, Charlemont Metro Park, Berlin Wildlife Area, Grand River Wildlife Area, Highlandtown Wildlife Area, Spencer Wildlife Area, West Branch Wildlife Area, Zepernick Wildlife Area.
- Southeast Ohio: Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area, Jesse Owens State Park and Wildlife Area, Pleasant Valley Wildlife Area (no youth releases), Salt Fork Wildlife Area (no youth releases), Tri-Valley Wildlife Area.
- Southwest Ohio: Caesar Creek Wildlife Area, Darke Wildlife Area, Fallsville Wildlife Area, Indian Creek Wildlife Area, Rush Run Wildlife Area, Spring Valley Wildlife Area. Fallsville Wildlife Area will not release pheasants on the weekend of Oct. 24-25.
This is the first time the Division of Wildlife has released pheasants at Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area southeast Ohio. Six-hundred rooster pheasants will be released on the wildlife area to provide additional hunting opportunities. The complete list of locations and dates is available at wildohio.gov.
A valid hunting license is required to pursue pheasants and other game birds in Ohio. An Ohio apprentice hunting license is available to people who want to try hunting, but apprentice hunters must be accompanied by a licensed hunter who is at least 21 years old. The apprentice hunting license is a great way to introduce someone to hunting and provide a positive experience in the field.
Ohio’s pheasant hunting season is open from Friday, Nov. 6, to Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, with a daily bag limit of two rooster (male) birds. No hens (females) may be killed. Statewide pheasant hunting hours are sunrise to sunset.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
