Pheasant Hunting Ohio: When and Where to Hunt

While whitetails may still be the most sought-after game animal in the Buckeye State, upland hunters, both novice and experienced, are accessing exciting and productive pheasant hunts, mainly due to stocked birds. Additionally, pheasant hunting Ohio benefits from the blended landscape of plains, river valleys, and fertile farmland, including cornfields, which produce elite hunting locations. 

If you’re ready to explore more about pheasant and upland hunting opportunities, then keep reading as we talk about key dates and location insights below. 

Where Can You Hunt Pheasants in Ohio?

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) stocks pheasants at select wildlife areas, including Kokosing, Pickerel Creek, Parkersburg, Funk Bottoms, East Fork, Pater, and Fallsville South, providing hunting opportunities across the state. 

Additional prominent wildlife area locations include:

From these locations, you can access decent public hunting opportunities and even private hunts if you secure written hunting permission from landowners. 

Use HuntWise to the Best Find Public Land Hunting

While that's a lot to work with and not a complete list of the best places to hunt pheasant in Ohio, you can download the HuntWise app to refine your search and start marking high-potential zones with a focus on grasslands, drainage zones, crop fields, and brush fence rows. You'll also be able to access detailed property lines to ensure ethical and legal hunting at all times.

Central and North-Eastern zones are typically renowned as highly productive regions. 

Private Preserves and Guided Hunts

For an introductory or more targeted approach to pheasant hunting Ohio, there are excellent opportunities to hunt private preserves and undertake guided hunts.

Some options include Cherrybend Pheasant Farm in Wilmington, a 640-acre guided preserve offering pheasant, quail, and chukar, and Federal Valley Hunting Preserve in Southeastern Ohio, which is a private upland experience with cover tailored for pheasant hunting. Buckeye Pheasant Hunting also offers quality guided pheasant and quail hunts in Southwest Ohio. 

Much of the quality pheasant habitat in Ohio relies on the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which incentivizes landowners to own and maintain quality blocks of grassland habitat and acreage. Similarly, the Walk-in-access program offers public access to prime private hunting land.

Again, leverage the HuntWise special mapping features to find Walk-in Access areas. With the app, you'll gain an instant visual of public and private land boundaries in Ohio.

When Is Pheasant Season in Ohio?

The Ohio pheasant season usually begins in early November. The opening of this season is highly anticipated, which can lead to significant hunting pressure, especially for the opening weekend. 

Do I Need a Special License for Pheasant Hunting Ohio?

All hunters, whether resident or non-resident, need a valid Ohio hunting license. All first-time hunting license buyers in Ohio will be required to complete hunter education training and obtain a safety certificate.

• A resident license starts at around $19.
• A non-resident license will cost more at $180.96.

There is also the option to hunt under an apprentice license, which allows new hunters to hunt under the mentorship of a licensed adult. While not obligatory, we also recommend keeping up to date with additional training, such as a relevant first aid certificate, for extra safety in the field. 

What Is the Daily Bag Limit for Pheasants in Ohio?

The daily limit for roosters is two ring-necked pheasants per day (males only). The possession limit is no more than two pheasants in the field while hunting or returning from hunting. 

Note that when enjoying Ohio public land pheasant hunting, possessing, or transporting hen pheasants is strictly prohibited unless they are legally tagged from another lawful acquisition. 

How Does the Weather Affect Pheasant Hunting?

Learning to read and understand weather patterns and movements is crucial to understanding pheasant behavior and movements.

In general, pheasants prefer mild weather with sufficient rain to maintain vegetation growth, which is essential for nesting, breeding, and eating. The mild winters and dry springs of Ohio are elite as they promote better overwinter survival and nesting success. ODNR biologists note stable-to-improving pheasant populations following such weather patterns. 

Regarding day-to-day weather movements, cool still mornings are often associated with higher pheasant activity as birds feed or move actively, providing stronger hunting opportunities. However, the impact of rain and wind on bird movements can vary.

Some hunters report birds' sitting tight' during rainfall, allowing for a closer stalk and shot. Wind can spark erratic behavior or force birds to sit tight in cover. To stay on top of weather impacts and movements, use the HuntWise WindCast feature to track wind direction and predict pheasant movement to help you plan your hunt. 

The Ohio Pheasant Season is Ready and Waiting With HuntWise 

With expansive pheasant stocking, a range of different hunting land access opportunities, and a fairly straightforward licensing process, the Ohio pheasant season is the perfect option for beginners and experienced hunters alike. 

If you're ready to start planning your next pheasant hunt in the stunning natural environments of Ohio, then get started today with HuntWise. With features such as mapping overlays, including public and private land lines, and weather insights, you'll be able to get away from the crowd and access less-pressured quality pheasant hunting in Ohio. 

The pheasant hunting season is almost here! Get ready and download HuntWise to plan your hunt. We'll give you your first week free!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to your questions about pheasant hunting in Ohio!

Q: When can you hunt pheasants in Ohio?

A: Ohio’s pheasant hunting season typically runs from early November through early January, but dates can vary by year. For 2025, the dates run from November 7, 2025, through January 11, 2026. 

Q: Are there any wild pheasants left in Ohio?

A: Wild pheasant populations are limited, mostly found in northwest and central Ohio. Most birds hunted today come from populations released by states or private game farms.

Q: How expensive is pheasant hunting?

A: Costs vary. Ohio public land pheasant hunting is inexpensive. You only need a hunting license and an upland game permit., However, private preserve hunts usually range from $25–$50 per bird or $150-$300 per half-day hunt.

Q: Where is the best public land pheasant hunting in Ohio?

A: Top public land hunting areas include Killdeer Plains, Mosquito Creek, Wyandot, Resthaven, and Berlin Lake Wildlife Areas, where ODNR releases pheasants for hunters each season.

Q: How difficult is pheasant hunting?

A: It can be moderately challenging because pheasants are wary and fast-flying. Success depends on good shooting skills, knowing habitat patterns, and often using a well-trained bird dog.