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Common questions about hunting Utah pheasants
When is pheasant hunting season?
- Youth pheasant hunt (statewide): Oct. 30–Nov. 4, 2021
- General season pheasant hunt (statewide): Nov. 6–Dec. 5, 2021
For more information about pheasant hunting seasons, read the Utah DWR Upland Game and Turkey Guidebook.
What youth hunt opportunities are available?
The youth pheasant hunt is open statewide Oct. 30–Nov. 4, 2021. Pheasants will be released before the hunt in areas indicated on the pheasant release map. There are also some additional opportunities for young hunters.
Does the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources release pheasants?
Yes. The Division releases approximately 12,000 rooster pheasants for the youth and general-season hunts. There is not a fixed schedule of when pheasants will be released, but birds are generally released for the season opener and weekends.
Where are pheasants released?
Pheasants are released throughout Utah based on how many pheasant hunters are afield in a given area. More pheasants are usually released in areas that are close to larger cities. See a map of pheasant release areas.
What license or permit is required to hunt pheasant?
You must possess a valid Utah hunting or combination license to hunt pheasant and other upland game. You can buy a license online, at a Division office or at a license agent location. Utah does not require an additional hunting permit or a habitat or pheasant stamp.
Are pheasant hunters required to wear hunter orange?
Hunter orange is not required for upland game hunts in Utah, but we strongly encourage pheasant hunters to wear hunter orange. Pheasant hunting season takes place at a time of the year when there are many active hunts. Hunter orange makes you more visible to other hunters.
What are the legal shooting hours?
You can shoot from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. For official sunrise and sunset times, see page 45 of the Utah DWR Upland Game and Turkey Guidebook.
Do I need a magazine plug to hunt pheasants on Waterfowl Management Areas?
If you are hunting pheasants on a WMA property, you do not have to have a magazine plug. If you plan to hunt any migratory species, your shotgun must be limited to a total capacity of three rounds or less.
What is the bag and possession limit?
The daily bag limit is 2 roosters and the total possession limit is 6 roosters.
Is nontoxic shot required when hunting pheasants in certain areas?
Yes, nontoxic shot is required when hunting in waterfowl management areas, refuges and some wildlife management areas. See page 35 of the Utah DWR Upland Game and Turkey Guidebook for details.
