Utah Pheasant Season Opens With Smaller Broods Expected This Year

Utah’s general-season pheasant and quail hunts open Saturday, Nov. 7, giving hunters across the state new opportunities to get outdoors. But dry conditions have affected some bird populations this year, particularly Gambel’s quail in southern Utah, according to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

The general pheasant season runs through Dec. 6, while quail hunting continues through Dec. 31. Pheasant numbers and hunting conditions vary by location, but biologists expect statewide conditions to be similar to last year. Smaller and fewer pheasant broods have been observed this year, meaning hunters should expect a harvest weighted toward adult birds. Continued dry conditions could lead to declining pheasant populations.

Courtesy Utah Division Of Wildlife Resources

The DWR releases pen-raised pheasants each week at wildlife management areas and Walk-in Access properties to provide additional hunting opportunities. Upland Game Coordinator Heather Talley said in a press release that hunters can improve their chances by hiking away from parking areas and other hunters. Release locations change from week to week, and hunters can find maps of the sites on the DWR website.

Hunters Need To Wait Until Releases Are Complete

Talley also cautioned hunters to stay clear while biologists are releasing birds, noting that employees have previously faced unsafe conditions when people fired shots nearby. Hunters should wait until the releases are complete and biologists have left the area before pursuing the birds. Some wildlife management areas also require nontoxic shot, such as steel, rather than lead ammunition.

For pheasant hunters, productive habitat often includes fields of wheat, corn and other food sources, along with tall grasses and dense woody vegetation. Wetlands with thick cattails and bulrush can provide shelter during snowy weather. A trained hunting dog can help locate birds, but hunters without dogs can still succeed by walking slowly and checking ditch banks and fence lines.

Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Quail hunters face a different challenge in southern Utah, where dry conditions have reduced Gambel’s quail numbers by limiting forage needed for chick survival. Talley recommends spreading out hunting pressure and avoiding harvesting an entire covey. California quail, meanwhile, have produced decent numbers of broods this year, likely benefiting from more consistent water sources on private property.

Gambel’s quail are commonly found in brushy foothills, Joshua trees and dry washes, while California quail favor brushy washes with water. Hunters should obtain landowner permission before hunting private property.

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Youth opportunities are also available. The statewide youth pheasant hunt runs Oct. 31 through Nov. 5, while the youth quail hunt runs Oct. 31 through Nov. 2. Eligible young hunters can participate after completing Hunter Education or, in some cases, through Utah’s Trial Hunting program.

Courtesy Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Hunters looking for an added challenge can also enter the Upland Game Slam, which encourages harvesting different game bird species while helping fund habitat projects. Entry costs $20 for adults and $10 for hunters 17 and younger.

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Details on seasons, regulations, release sites and hunting opportunities are available through the Utah DWR website and the 2026-27 Waterfowl, Upland Game and Turkey Guidebook.