COLUMBUS, OH — This fall, the Ohio Division of Wildlife is set to enhance pheasant hunting opportunities by releasing male pheasants (roosters) at 36 public hunting areas throughout the state. The releases are scheduled for key dates, coinciding with youth weekends and the opening of the hunting season.
Pheasant releases will occur on the following dates:
- Saturday, October 19 (first youth weekend)
- Saturday, October 26 (second youth weekend)
- Friday, November 1 (opening day)
- Saturday, November 9
- Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving Day)
The pheasants will be released in various locations across Ohio, including:
Central Ohio:
- Delaware Wildlife Area
- Kokosing Lake Wildlife Area
- Urbana Wildlife Area
Northwest Ohio:
- Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area
- Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area
- Hancock County Wildlife Area 5
- Parkersburg Wildlife Area
- Wyandot Wildlife Area (no youth releases)
- Resthaven Wildlife Area
- Tiffin River Wildlife Area
- Oxbow Lake Wildlife Area
- Ringneck Ridge Wildlife Area (by special permit only)
Northeast Ohio:
- Berlin Lake Wildlife Area
- Grand River Wildlife Area
- Highlandtown Wildlife Area (no youth releases)
- Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area
- Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area (no youth releases)
- Spencer Lake Wildlife Area
- West Branch Wildlife Area (no youth releases)
- Zepernick Wildlife Area (no youth releases)
- Charlemont Metro Park
- Camp Belden Wildlife Area
Southeast Ohio:
- Tri-Valley Wildlife Area
- Pleasant Valley Wildlife Area (youth releases during controlled hunts only)
- Salt Fork Wildlife Area (no youth releases)
- Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area
Southwest Ohio:
- Fallsville Wildlife Area (no releases on October 19 or November 9)
- Indian Creek Wildlife Area (no youth releases)
- Spring Valley Wildlife Area
- Rush Run Wildlife Area
- Caesar Creek Wildlife Area
- Darke Wildlife Area
- East Fork Wildlife Area
- Pater Wildlife Area
- Fallsville South Wildlife Area
- Coldwater Creek Nature Corridor
Hunters should note that specific locations, such as Urbana Wildlife Area, Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area, and Coldwater Creek Nature Corridor, require a controlled access permit. Additionally, select fields in several areas will require permits on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from October 15 to November 15, as well as the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving Day.
Ohio’s ring-necked pheasant hunting season will officially open on November 1, 2024, and run through January 12, 2025. The daily harvest limit is two male birds, with no females allowed. Hunters must possess a valid Ohio hunting license.
The Division of Wildlife encourages both new and experienced hunters to take part in this season, highlighting that small game hunting can be a wonderful introduction to the sport. For those looking to prepare, resources such as the interactive “Introduction to Upland Game Birds” module and public shotgun ranges are available.
For more details on the fall pheasant releases, including maps of hunting areas and regulations, visit wildohio.gov. This year, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) celebrates 75 years of protecting the state’s natural resources and providing exceptional recreational opportunities.
ODNR continues to strive for a balance between the sustainable use and protection of Ohio’s resources for the benefit of all. For more information, visit ohiodnr.gov.
