Iowa hunters are preparing for what is expected to be one of the best pheasant seasons in the state’s history, and the countdown to opening day is approaching the single digits. Iowa’s annual pheasant season opens Oct. 25 and runs through Jan. 10, 2026. Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Upland Wildlife Biologist Todd Bogenschutz forecasts hunters will bag between 600,000 and 700,000 roosters, with around 85,000 hunters expected to take to the field. The rise in Iowa’s pheasant population is thanks to several consecutive years of mild winters and favorable springs. The statewide average of 28 birds per route recorded during the DNR’s annual August roadside survey is the highest seen since 2005. Harvest is forecasted to be around 75 percent complete at the season opener, which could lead to record numbers if the weather cooperates. Bogenschutz says, “Last year was a decent year for pheasant hunting. 2023 was a good year for pheasant hunting. This year could be excellent.” Hunters are encouraged to plan their hunts with their party ahead of time, including safety plans, reviewing zones of fire, wearing blaze orange, and monitoring dogs. The two-day youth-only season opens this coming Friday, Oct. 17, and closes Sunday, Oct. 19. For more information on Iowa’s pheasant hunting rules and regulations, follow the link included below.
______
