Whether it’s a small group of pheasants running out in front of you along an old tractor trail between a crop field and a stone wall or a big ringneck exploding out of a tangled thicket of slough grass, the excitement of knowing that a flush may be just moments ahead explains why upland bird hunting can become so addictive.
Unlike the many other types of hunting where you need to be in the woods at a certain time or you have to travel considerable distances to a hopefully promising location, pheasant and upland bird hunting can be accessible to almost anyone. With sections of State Game Lands and other lands open to public hunting being stocked with pheasants, Pennsylvania offers ample opportunities to partake in the rich heritage of pheasant hunting.
In an effort to help the next generation take part in the rich heritage of pheasant hunting from a hands-on experience, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has identified the week of Oct. 11-18 as a junior pheasant hunting season that is set aside for junior and all mentored hunters.
“The intent is to provide junior and mentored hunters with an opportunity to have a hands-on hunting experience in an environment with fewer hunters and to enhance their time in the field, and help them learn more about pheasant hunting,” said Aaron Morrow, information and education supervisor for the Pennsylvania Game Commission. “The season allows junior and mentored hunters the opportunity to learn and be involved with positive experiences related to pheasant hunting by working with experienced hunters to develop a knowledge and passion that will last a lifetime.”
Ringneck populations peaked across the country through the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. In the later 1970s and into the 80s, a decrease in the population was noted that was generally attributed to a decreasing habitat. The PGC, along with some outdoor organizations, continues to put forth efforts to improve upland bird habitat in the areas where the pheasants are stocked for the betterment of wildlife and to improve the overall experience for hunters.
Pheasants spend a lot of time in tall and thick vegetation, and near crop fields, as their diet often consists of small grains, seeds, corn, if available, and insects. Pheasants depend on their hearing and eyesight to outwit predators.
Morrow went on to say that junior and mentored hunters can also hunt in the general pheasant season when it opens following the junior season and all junior and mentored pheasant hunters must be accompanied as required by law. He also said that junior and mentored hunter license holders under the age of 17 must obtain a free pheasant hunting permit online or from an issuing agent, and any pheasant hunter 17 years of age or older must purchase a permit, and all permits must be signed and carried while hunting pheasants.
Morrow said that statewide, about 16 thousand pheasants will be stocked related to the junior hunt with many more stocking dates after that for the general season at the identified locations and a list of those locations could be obtained by accessing the PA Game Commission website. Oct. 12 is also a day that hunting could take place this season.
For more information about the upcoming pheasant seasons, please see the PGC website at http://www.pa.gov/pgc.
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