Pheasant Hunting Season to Open October 9

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This year’s promising ring-necked pheasant season will open Saturday, Oct. 9, at one-half hour before sunrise. According to John McCarthy, FWPs special projects coordinator for wildlife in Helena, the outlook for pheasant hunting is generally better this year than last, especially in central and eastern Montana. The daily limit is three cock (male) pheasants; the possession limit is nine. Hunters must keep one leg and foot attached to each harvested bird. The leg and foot must remain attached to the carcass while being transported from the field to the hunters home. Hunters must have a valid Conservation License ($4 for residents and $5 for nonresidents) and a valid Upland Game Bird License ($6 for residents and $55 for nonresidents) to hunt pheasants in Montana. The pheasant season will run from Oct. 9 through Dec. 15. Hunters are reminded that they must obtain permission to hunt on private land. McCarthy said improved pheasant populations are attributed to favorable spring weather conditions -- primarily receiving spring precipitation in the right amounts and at the right times to promote growth of forbs and insects that serve as critical food sources for chicks.