Hunting Pheasants-Frequently Asked Questions

• What do I need to participate in pheasant hunting?
  
  Answer: A small game license and a pheasant stamp is needed to hunt pheasants in Wisconsin.
  
  
• Why do I need to purchase a pheasant stamp?
  
  Answer: All revenue collected from sales of the pheasant stamp are put into a special designated account to be used specifically for wild pheasant restoration and the raising and releasing of put-and-take pheasants on public hunting grounds. More specifically, 40% of the revenue from the pheasant stamp is used for developing, managing, preserving, restoring and maintaining the wild pheasant population in the state. These funds affect thousands of acres of pheasant habitat every year benefiting not only pheasants, but many other grassland species as well. The other 60% of the funds are used for the raising and releasing of put-and-take pheasants on selected public hunting grounds.
  
  
• What is the daily bag limit and the possession limit?
  
  Answer: On opening weekend, the daily limit is 1 cock, and the possession limit is 2. For the remainder of the season it is 2 cocks daily with a possession limit of 4. Properties designated as hen-rooster hunting areas have a daily bag limit of 1 pheasant daily opening weekend, and 2 pheasants daily the remainder of the season. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit.
  
  
• Can I harvest hen pheasants?
  
  Answer: Some public hunting grounds have both hen and cock pheasant hunting. This requires free permits and tags. To receive the permit and tags you must complete and submit a DNR application before hunting pheasants on these properties. There is no charge and applications can be obtained from any DNR service center or by writing DNR, Box 7924, Madison, WI 53707. For a complete listing of hen-rooster public hunting grounds and the special regulations for these areas please refer to the Small Game Hunting Regulations.
  
  
• Why do some public hunting grounds have a 2:00 p.m. closure?
  
  Answer: Closing a hunting area at 2:00 p.m. allows the DNR to stock pheasants when they are not subject to hunting pressure. This improves stocking and distribution techniques and gives the birds more time to orient to their new surroundings. This helps provide a higher quality hunt. For a complete set of properties that have a 2:00 p.m. closure please refer to the Small Game Hunting Regulations.
  
  
• How do I obtain information on which public hunting grounds are stocked with pheasants?
  
  Answer: The Department will release which public hunting grounds 'may' be stocked with put-and-take pheasants each fall. For a list of which public hunting grounds 'may' be stocked during the pheasant season please refer to the Pheasant Stocking Information website.
  
  
• How do I get information on the dog training application?
  
  Answer: Information about the dog training license can be found on the DNR's Captive Wildlife website. Applications are only available through DNR Service Centers.
  
  
• Where do I get detailed maps of public hunting grounds?
  
  Answer: For more information on public hunting lands in Wisconsin, visit the Public Recreation Lands in Wisconsin website.
  
  

For more information on this topic, send mail to: Assistant Upland Ecologist

Questions for Wildlife Management