LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Pheasant hunting in the state of Michigan is about to take flight, and the Department of Natural Resources has announced how it will be expanding in 2023. 

“For seasoned hunters and newcomers alike, this is a prime opportunity for everyone to experience the thrill of pheasant hunting,” said Adam Bump, DNR upland game bird specialist. “We’re excited to expand the pheasant release program and offer hunters a unique chance to connect or reconnect with upland bird hunting in Michigan.”

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According to the DNR, there are going to be three times as many rooster pheasant released compared to last year.  

“The increased number of rooster pheasants and the addition of new release locations ensure that hunters can enjoy a memorable hunting season,” Bump added. 

The rooster-only pheasant releases will take place on Oct. 20 and Nov. 14, and there will be a later release date in December according to the DNR. 

The DNR also announced how many locations will also be hosting more pheasants this year: 

  • Cass City (Tuscola County) – fall and December release.
  • Cornish (Van Buren County) – fall release only.
  • Crane Pond (Cass County) – fall release only.
  • Crow Island (Bay and Saginaw counties) – fall and December release.
  • Dansville (Ingham County) – fall and December release.
  • Erie (Monroe County) – fall and December release.
  • Lapeer (Lapeer County) – fall and December release.
  • Leidy Lake (St. Joseph County) – fall and December release.
  • Pinconning (Bay County) – fall release only.
  • Pointe Mouillee (Monroe and Wayne counties) – fall and December release.
  • Rose Lake (Clinton and Shiawassee counties) – fall and December release.
  • Stanton (Montcalm County) – fall and December release.
  • St. Johns Marsh (St. Clair County) – fall and December release.

Licenses for those planning to hunt on public lands in the Lower Peninsula or on lands enrolled in the Hunting Access Program. 

“Exempt from purchasing the license: Private-land pheasant hunters statewide, public-land pheasant hunters in the Upper Peninsula, lifetime license holders, hunters 17 years old and younger, and those only hunting pheasants at a game bird hunting preserve,” according to DNR officials. 

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For those intending to hunt in an area needing a license, it can be purchased on the DNR website.

Be sure to check if hunting is approved in your zone, as currently Zone 1 is the only approved area to hunt pheasant.  For a list of other hunting opportunities and seasons including: deer, elk, and foxes, see here.