Pheasant hunting seasons open in Pennsylvania and Minnesota

Pheasant hunting seasons are commencing in Pennsylvania and Minnesota, with varying population reports and regulatory updates for the 2026-27 period.

In Pennsylvania, the junior hunting season begins October 10, followed by the regular statewide season on October 24. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has expanded hunting opportunities, including opening all 21 Sundays within the season and allowing hunting during the statewide firearms deer season. The agency plans to stock approximately 232,000 pheasants through early January, primarily on public lands. However, hunting is prohibited in two Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas in Northumberland, Montour, and Franklin counties due to recent population surveys.

In Minnesota, the season opens October 10 and runs through January 3, 2027. State wildlife reports indicate that pheasant numbers have increased by 25-30% statewide compared to last year, attributed to a mild winter and successful nesting. While early weather conditions may impact the start of the season, higher counts are reported in the southwest and western regions of the state. The season is expected to improve as corn harvesting progresses.