The state plans to release some 100,170 ring-necked pheasants on public lands throughout the upcoming small game hunting season. This may sound like a lot birds but it is actually a 50% reduction in the state’s pheasant program. In preparation of opening day 50% of the birds were released. Another 25% were seeded at the end of October. And the remaining 25% will be released Nov. 5. Remember only cocks are legal in WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A and 5B. Cocks and hens are legal game in all other WMUs. If you are interested in how many birds are released per region the list follows. These regional allocations are based on the amount of suitable pheasant habitat open to public hunting and pheasant hunting pressure:
- Northwest Region, 7,600 cocks and 11,400 hens
- Southwest Region, 19,260 cocks and 5,440 hens
- Northcentral Region, 4,950 cocks and 5,650 hens
- Southcentral Region, 7,980 males and 6,790 hens
- Northeast Region, 7,530 cocks and 5,370 hens
- Southeast Region 13,430 cocks and 4,770 hens
