Sports
Wisconsin Hunting Season Opens Saturday: 65,000 Birds to Be Stocked
Madison, WI – Wisconsin hunters are preparing for the start of the 2026 pheasant hunting season Saturday, Oct. 17, with thousands of birds being stocked across the state and important bag limits takin
By Evan Cross · 2026-10-14T12:59:06.310Z
Madison, WI – Wisconsin hunters are preparing for the start of the 2026 pheasant hunting season Saturday, Oct. 17, with thousands of birds being stocked across the state and important bag limits taking effect for opening weekend.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources DNR , the statewide pheasant season officially opens at 9 a.m. Saturday and continues through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027.
Opening Weekend Bag Limits
Hunters participating in the opening weekend, Oct. 17 18, will be limited to one rooster per day.
Beginning Monday, Oct. 19, the daily bag limit increases to two roosters, remaining in effect for the rest of the season.
The DNR is reminding hunters to review regulations before heading into the field, particularly those planning trips to state managed hunting properties.
Approximately 65,000 Pheasants Being Stocked
Preseason stocking operations began during the week of Oct. 12.
The agency plans to release approximately 65,000 pheasants from the state game farm across 82 properties throughout Wisconsin.
The stocking program is intended to provide hunting opportunities across participating public hunting areas.
However, hunters should be aware of temporary access restrictions at certain locations.
Several pheasant hunting properties will close at noon on weekdays from Oct. 19 through Nov. 3.
The DNR encourages hunters to verify legal shooting hours and property specific regulations before traveling.
Safety Requirements for Hunters
Hunters are also reminded of Wisconsin's blaze orange and fluorescent pink clothing requirements.
During any gun deer season, at least 50% of a hunter's clothing above the waist must be blaze orange or fluorescent pink, with an exception for waterfowl hunters.
The DNR additionally encourages hunters to wear highly visible clothing during pheasant season to improve safety for other hunters and outdoor recreationists.
Hunters can review official regulations and property information through the Wisconsin DNR website before Saturday's opener.