According to a DNR wildlife research biologist, pheasants follow a schedule as routine as your daily commute to and from work. Understanding the pheasant's daily movements can increase your odds of flushing a rooster.
Colder temps create ideal conditions
The hunting forecast looks really good for the latter part of the pheasant season. With the transition in weather, pheasants are using both grassland cover and winter cover such as cattail sloughs and willow thickets. Hunters who are willing to do a little walking and work these tougher-to-reach areas will have opportunities to harvest birds. The colder weather will make wetlands more accessible to hunters as the water freezes up.
What you'll need
10/12/19 - 01/01/20 | Statewide |
What to hunt
Where To Hunt
The Upper Minnesota River Valley offers tremendous opportunities for pheasant hunters. The Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area covers 33,000 acres. The Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge adds another 11,000 acres. Plus there are literally hundreds of wildlife management areas and waterfowl production areas in the region that are all open to public hunting. The new Walk-In Access program offers 1,000 acres in the area.
Reports and surveys
- 2018 August roadside survey report
- The Pheasant in Minnesota
- 2005 Long Range Plan for the Ring-necked Pheasant in Minnesota