DNR broadens pheasant release program for 2023 upland bird open season – The Morning Sun

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ broadened pheasant release program uses hunters a unique opportunity to link or reconnect with upland bird hunting. Fennville Mentored Pheasant Hunt, Fall 2019 Michigan Pheasant Hunt Initiative mentored hunt at the Allegan State Game Area Farm Unit in October of 2019.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ extremely expected pheasant release program is broadening for the upcoming pheasant open season.

This year, the program will consist of:

• Three times more rooster pheasants launched than in 2015.
• Four brand-new release websites in Cass City, Crane Pond, Dansville and Stanton state video game locations.
• Additional releases in December on state video game locations with an open pheasant open season.

This tactical growth makes sure a higher circulation of launched pheasants and provides hunters a lot more alternatives to check out Michigan’s varied landscapes.

“For seasoned hunters and newcomers alike, this is a prime opportunity for everyone to experience the thrill of pheasant hunting. 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,” said Adam Bump, DNR upland video game bird professional. “The increased number of rooster pheasants and the addition of new release locations ensure that hunters can enjoy a memorable hunting season.”

The rooster-only pheasant releases will happen Oct. 20 to Nov. 14, accompanying the pheasant open season. All release websites that have an open December pheasant open season will have an extra pheasant release in December.

This year, pheasants will be launched on 13 state game/wildlife locations throughout southern Michigan:

1. Cass City (Tuscola County) – fall and December release.
2. Cornish (Van Buren County) – fall release just.
3. Crane Pond (Cass County) – fall release just.
4. Crow Island (Bay and Saginaw counties) – fall and December release.
5. Dansville (Ingham County) – fall and December release.
6. Erie (Monroe County) – fall and December release.
7. Lapeer (Lapeer County) – fall and December release.
8. Leidy Lake (St. Joseph County) – fall and December release.
9. Pinconning (Bay County) – fall release just.
10. Pointe Mouillee (Monroe and Wayne counties) – fall and December release.
11. Rose Lake (Clinton and Shiawassee counties) – fall and December release.
12. Stanton (Montcalm County) – fall and December release.
13. St. Johns Marsh (St. Clair County) – fall and December release.

The sale of the $25 pheasant license funds the pheasant release program, with pheasants provided by the Michigan Association of Gamebird Breeders and Hunting Preserves.

“We encourage people to take advantage of this remarkable opportunity to connect with nature and experience the joy of upland bird hunting,” Bump said.

To learn more about the pheasant release program, consisting of licensing requirements, season dates and hunting policies, see Michigan.gov/SmallGame.