Unlock Utah’s Best Pheasant And Quail Hunting Spots This Season

As the leaves turn and temperatures drop, hunting season in Utah is in full swing. Many upland game and waterfowl hunts have already begun, but the excitement truly ramps up with the start of the general-season pheasant and quail hunts on Saturday, Nov. 2. If you're planning on targeting these game birds this fall, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

Utah’s general pheasant hunting season runs from Nov. 2 through Dec. 1, offering hunters nearly a full month to enjoy the pursuit. To enhance hunting opportunities, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) releases pen-raised pheasants each week during the season on various wildlife management areas (WMAs) and Walk-in Access properties across the state. The DWR website provides a detailed map of release locations, indicating whether a site is for youth hunts, general-season hunts, or both. It's important to check the map regularly, as biologists will be releasing pheasants at different times of day and on different days of the week.

While some hunters may encounter wild pheasants, especially in certain parts of the state, the majority of hunters in southern Utah will have more success focusing on areas where pen-raised birds are released. In areas like Sevier Valley, there is a small population of wild pheasants, but they are primarily located on private land. For public hunting opportunities, the Bicknell Bottoms WMA offers a limited wild population, with bridges added last year to improve access across the channels for hunters.

Pheasants are most commonly found near fields of wheat, corn, and other crops that provide food. They also prefer habitats with stemmed grass for nesting, and areas with dense woody vegetation, such as red cedar and chokecherry. During the winter months, they often shelter in wetlands thick with cattails and bulrush. The birds are well-camouflaged, so a well-trained hunting dog can be a major asset. However, if you don’t have a dog, you can still find success by walking slowly and carefully through the terrain to flush them out.

Pheasants often prefer to run rather than fly, which means walking along ditch banks, fence lines, or thick cover is a good way to drive them into the open where they are more likely to flush. The DWR recommends hunting on its wildlife management areas, as pen-reared rooster pheasants will be released there throughout November. To increase your chances, be prepared to hike further away from parking areas to avoid crowded spots.

Beyond pheasants, the general quail hunting season also begins on Nov. 2 and runs through Dec. 31. Quail hunting in Utah offers a bit more variation, depending on the species and location. In southern Utah, California quail have done well this year in Sevier Valley and can be found near Fillmore and Beaver, though they are mostly on private property. The native Gambel’s quail, meanwhile, thrive in the brushy washes of western Washington County, where populations have increased again this year.

Though hunting methods for both species are similar, the habitats they inhabit differ. Gambel’s quail are typically found in dry washes, draws with black brush or desert almond, and foothills dotted with Joshua trees. In contrast, California quail tend to stay near washes full of water and thick brush. As with pheasants, using a trained dog is helpful for hunting quail, as the birds tend to hunker down rather than fly. Still, a dog isn't necessary for success, as quail can often be flushed with careful walking or spotted sprinting before taking flight.

For youth hunters, there are additional opportunities. The statewide youth pheasant hunt will take place from Oct. 26-31, with pheasants being released just before the hunt begins. The youth quail hunt, meanwhile, will run from Oct. 26-28. Young hunters who were 17 or younger as of July 31 and who have completed Hunter Education can participate in these special hunts. Even those who haven't finished Hunter Education can join through Utah’s Trial Hunting program, provided they are at least 12 years old.

Several youth and beginner hunts will also be held across the state, including one in Iron County near Cedar City on Nov. 2, and two more on Nov. 9 in Sevier and Millard counties. These events, designed to introduce new hunters to the sport, can be found with full details and registration on Eventbrite.

For hunters looking for an extra challenge, the Upland Game Slam offers a unique opportunity. Modeled after the Utah Waterfowl Slam, it encourages hunters to pursue a variety of species, while raising money for habitat and game-related projects. The newest slam, the “Appetizer Slam,” focuses on smaller game birds like California quail, Gambel’s quail, and mourning dove. Successfully harvesting one of each species in a single season earns hunters a commemorative coin, while supporting important conservation work.

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As the season approaches, hunters are encouraged to review the 2024-25 Upland Game and Turkey Guidebook for details on regulations, legal weapons, and specific rules for each game species. For more information on pheasants, quail, and hunting opportunities across the state, the DWR website is a helpful resource.