Pheasant hunting seasons open across US Midwest

Pheasant hunting seasons are commencing in parts of the US Midwest, though conditions vary by state. In Nebraska, the 100th pheasant season is set to open on October 31. State wildlife officials report that pheasant populations increased by 36% over the summer compared to the previous year, with spring counts also showing an 11% increase. While bird densities are expected to be high in the Northeast, Panhandle, and Southwest regions, officials warned that drought conditions could reduce available hunting cover, particularly in the Panhandle.

In Wisconsin, the hunting season began on October 17, but hunters may face challenges due to budget constraints. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced a 13% reduction in stocking farm-raised birds, releasing 65,000 pheasants this season compared to 75,000 last year. Officials cited rising costs driven by inflation, noting that the cost to raise a single bird increased from $6.91 to $9.80 between 2021 and 2025, alongside rising maintenance and feed expenses.