Over 14,000 ring-necked pheasants will be released at the public hunting areas this fall, with the youth hunting weekend starting Oct. 25, and the official ring-necked pheasant hunting season beginning on Nov. 7.

The Division of Wildlife will release male pheasants (roosters) at 41 public hunting areas, with 12 locations in northeast Ohio.

Northeast Ohio Locations:
-Berlin Lake Wildlife Area in North Benton
-Camp Belden Wildlife Area (youth only) in Grafton
-Charlemont Metro Park in New London
-Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area in Wooster
-Grand River Wildlife Area in West Farmington
-Highlandtown Wildlife Area (no youth releases) in Salineville
-Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area in Shreve
-Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area in North Bloomfield
-Shreve Lake Wildlife Area in Shreve
-Spencer Lake Wildlife Area in Spencer
-West Branch Wildlife Area (no youth releases) in Ravenna
-Zepernick Wildlife Area (no youth releases) in East Rochester

The male pheasants will be released on the following dates:
-Saturday, Oct. 25 (first youth pheasant hunting weekend)
-Saturday, Nov. 1 (second youth pheasant hunting weekend)
-Friday, Nov. 7 (pheasant hunting opening day)
-Saturday, Nov. 15
-Thursday, Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving Day)

The daily harvest limit is two male birds; no hens (females) may be harvested. A valid Ohio hunting license is required to pursue pheasants and other game birds.

Ohio's ring-necked pheasant hunting season ends on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026.