The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife will release 14,400 ring-necked pheasants at public hunting areas in late October and November. The releases will begin on Oct. 19 during Ohio's youth small game hunting season.


Male pheasants will be released at 36 public hunting areas throughout Ohio, including these areas in Northeast Ohio:

  • Berlin Lake Wildlife Area
  • Grand River Wildlife Area
  • West Branch Wildlife Area (no youth releases)
  • Highlandtown Wildlife Area (no youth releases)
  • Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area
  • Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area (no youth releases)
  • Spencer Lake Wildlife Area
  • Zepernick Wildlife Area (no youth releases)
  • Charlemont Metro Park
  • Camp Belden Wildlife Area

Release dates will include:

Saturday Oct. 19 (first youth weekend); Saturday Oct. 26 (second youth weekend); Friday, Nov. 1 (opening day); Saturday, Nov. 9; and Thursday, Nov. 28 (Thanksgiving Day).

Pheasant hunters should note that Urbana Wildlife Area, Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area, and Coldwater Creek Nature Corridor allow only hunters with a controlled access permit to hunt pheasants.

Select pheasant hunting fields, including Funk Bottoms, require a controlled access permit on all Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from Oct. 15 to Nov. 15, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and Thanksgiving Day.

Ohio ring-necked pheasant hunting season is open from Friday, November 1, until Sunday, January 12.

The daily harvest limit is two male birds; no hens (females) may be harvested. A valid Ohio hunting license is required for all hunting in the state.

Click here for maps of public hunting areas, the current hunting and trapping regulations, and more.