Special to 1808Delaware
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife will release more than 14,000 ring-necked pheasants at public hunting areas in late October and November. Releases will begin Saturday, Oct. 21 during Ohio’s youth small game hunting season.
Each fall, the Division of Wildlife releases male pheasants (roosters) at 25 public hunting areas throughout Ohio. The division is scheduled to release 14,020 pheasants this fall.
The Division of Wildlife will release pheasants for the following dates:
- Saturday Oct. 21 (first youth weekend)
- Saturday Oct. 28 (second youth weekend)
- Friday, Nov. 3 (opening day)
- Friday, Nov. 10
- Thursday, Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving Day)
Pheasants will be released in the following locations:
- Central Ohio: Delaware Wildlife Area
Ohio’s ring-necked pheasant hunting season is open from Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, until Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. The daily harvest limit is two male birds; no hens (females) may be harvested. A valid Ohio hunting license is required to pursue pheasants and other game birds.
Small game hunting is a great way to introduce someone to hunting and create lasting memories in the field. For more information on getting started, explore the interactive Introduction to Upland Game Birds online learning module and related resources through the Wild Ohio Harvest Community.
Additional details on Ohio’s fall pheasant releases can be found at wildohio.gov, along with maps of public hunting areas, the current hunting and trapping regulations, and more.
Source, Photo: ODNR