Montana’s 2026 pheasant hunting season opens Saturday, October 10, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is preparing for opening weekend with another round of pheasant releases across the state. More than 15,000 pheasants are scheduled for release this fall, including over 3,500 birds being stocked during the week leading up to the opener.
The releases are part of Montana’s Roosters for Recruitment program, which aims to increase hunting opportunities, particularly for new and returning hunters. Some pheasants were already released ahead of September’s youth hunting weekends, and additional releases will continue throughout the fall.
Where Are Pheasants Being Released?
FWP is stocking pheasants on wildlife management areas (WMAs), fishing access sites (FAS), Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) properties, and other public hunting lands with suitable habitat.
Among the designated release locations are Canyon Ferry WMA and Lake Helena WMA in Region 3, Freezout Lake WMA in Region 4, Grant Marsh WMA in Region 5, Fresno Reservoir WMA in Region 6, and Amelia Island WMA in Region 7. Additional sites are available across Montana, although some locations have special access restrictions.
Hunters can find the complete list and map of release locations on FWP’s official Roosters for Recruitment webpage. FWP updates this information as releases take place, making it a useful resource for planning hunts.
Important New Rule for Nonresident Hunters
One of the most significant changes for 2026 is the 10-day head start for Montana residents on many hunting properties.
While resident hunters can begin pursuing pheasants October 10, nonresidents hunting on public lands or private properties enrolled in FWP hunting access programs, including Block Management, must wait until October 20. This restriction also applies to most other upland game birds, with an exception for mountain grouse.
The restriction does not generally apply to private lands outside these access programs, where nonresident hunters with appropriate licenses may hunt beginning October 10 with landowner permission. Nonresidents should also be aware that Montana’s three-day upland game bird license is not valid for pheasants during the opening week.
Montana’s 2026 Pheasant Hunting Regulations
The general pheasant season runs from October 10, 2026, through January 1, 2027. Hunters must possess the required licenses and follow Montana’s bag limits, shooting hours, and other upland game bird regulations.
FWP’s pheasant release program is now in its sixth year. Authorized by the Legislature in 2021, it is intended to introduce more people to hunting and encourage continued participation in wildlife conservation. In August 2026, the Fish and Wildlife Commission approved continued pheasant releases on suitable public lands through 2028.
Hunters should consult the official 2026 Montana Upland Game Bird Regulations before heading into the field. With hunting seasons overlapping across the state, FWP also reminds hunters to remain aware of bear activity and potential wildfire hazards.
Plan Your Montana Bird Hunt With Hunterizer
Montana offers opportunities to hunt pheasants, grouse, partridge, waterfowl, and other game birds, but different season dates, locations, and regulations can make planning complicated.
The Hunterizer app helps hunters determine what they can legally hunt at their location on a particular date. It provides hunting season dates, zone maps, legal weapons, bag limits, shooting hours, and other important regulations for Montana’s game species.
Whether you’re heading out for pheasants on public land or planning a hunt for several bird species, Hunterizer helps you stay informed about what’s in season and where you can hunt. Download Hunterizer before your next trip and spend less time searching through regulations and more time enjoying the hunt.
