DNR reports excellent bird numbers for upcoming pheasant season

Iowa’s Pheasant season is right around the corner and will also mark the 100th anniversary of pheasant hunting within the state. Northeast Iowa, which Jackson County is a part of, is reporting the highest pheasant numbers since 1998.

The Iowa DNR is reporting more excitement around the season stemming from the recent increase in pheasant numbers across the state. Based on recent numbers, the DNR is expecting 600-700 thousand roosters to be harvested this season, with a potential for three quarters of a million roosters if more hunters participate.

The DNR’s website will include an atlas of public hunting lands and private lands that will be open to the public during the season.

Youth pheasant season is this weekend, Saturday 18th and Sunday the 19th. The official start of the entire season will be Saturday Oct. 25th, and will last until Jan. 10th of 2026.