The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is releasing more than 14,000 ring-necked pheasants at public hunting areas in late October and November. Releases begin Saturday, Oct. 25 during Ohio’s youth small game hunting season.

This fall, the Division of Wildlife will release male pheasants (roosters) at 41 public hunting areas for the following dates:

• Saturday, Oct. 25 (first youth pheasant hunting weekend)
• Saturday, Nov. 1 (second youth pheasant hunting weekend)
• Friday, Nov. 7 (pheasant hunting opening day)
• Saturday, Nov. 15
• Thursday, Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving Day)

Pheasants are released in the following locations:

• Central Ohio: Delaware Wildlife Area; Kokosing Lake Wildlife Area; Urbana Wildlife Area
• Northwest Ohio: Hancock County Wildlife Area 5; Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area; Oxbow Lake Wildlife Area; Parkersburg Wildlife Area; Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area; Resthaven Wildlife Area; Ringneck Ridge Wildlife Area; Tiffin River Wildlife Area; Wyandot Wildlife Area (no youth releases); and Wood County Wildlife Area 5.
• Northeast Ohio: Berlin Lake Wildlife Area; Camp Belden Wildlife Area (youth only); Charlemont Metro Park; Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area; Grand River Wildlife Area; Highlandtown Wildlife Area (no youth releases); Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area; Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area; Shreve Lake Wildlife Area; Spencer Lake Wildlife Area; West Branch Wildlife Area (no youth releases); and Zepernick Wildlife Area (no youth releases).
• Southeast Ohio: Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area; Pleasant Valley Wildlife Area (youth releases during controlled hunt only); Salt Fork Wildlife Area (no youth releases); Tri-Valley Wildlife Area; and Wolf Creek Wildlife Area.
• Southwest Ohio: Caesar Creek Wildlife Area; Coldwater Creek Nature Corridor; Darke Wildlife Area; East Fork Wildlife Area; Fallsville Wildlife Area (no releases Oct. 25 or Nov. 15); Fallsville South Wildlife Area; Indian Creek Wildlife Area (no youth releases); Pater Wildlife Area; Rush Run Wildlife Area; Spring Valley Wildlife Area; and Tranquility Wildlife Area.

Hunters should note that pheasant hunting is open only to people with a controlled access permit at Urbana Wildlife Area, Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area, and Coldwater Creek Nature Corridor.

Select pheasant hunting fields on Caesar Creek, East Fork, Fallsville South, Funk Bottoms, Killbuck Marsh, Kokosing Lake, Parkersburg, Pater, Pickerel Creek, Shreve Lake, Tranquility, and Wolf Creek wildlife areas, as well as Hancock County Wildlife Area 5 and Wood County Wildlife Area 5, require a controlled access permit on all Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from Oct. 15 to Nov. 15; the Wednesday before Thanksgiving; and Thanksgiving Day.

Killdeer Plains, Pleasant Valley, and Salt Fork wildlife areas offer both controlled access pheasant hunts and public hunts. A special permit is required to hunt on Ringneck Ridge Wildlife Area; find additional information from the Sandusky County Park District. All other release locations offer public hunting.

Ohio’s ring-necked pheasant hunting season is open from Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, until Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. 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.

Pursuing small game 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 Wild Ohio Harvest. Check out one of the Division of Wildlife’s public shotgun ranges to practice shooting before your hunt.

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.

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.