Michigan’s 2026 pheasant season brings new opportunities for upland bird hunters, with state-supported pheasant releases at public hunting areas across southern Michigan.
Michigan’s pheasant hunting season opens October 20, 2026, offering upland bird hunters an opportunity to pursue ring-necked pheasants on public and private lands. To improve hunting opportunities, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is continuing its pheasant release program, stocking birds at 13 public hunting areas in southern Michigan during the fall and winter hunting seasons.
The program is particularly valuable for hunters who do not have access to private farmland, as it provides opportunities to pursue pheasants on publicly accessible hunting lands.
Pheasant Releases at 13 Public Hunting Areas
Michigan’s pheasant release program is designed to expand hunting opportunities while encouraging participation in upland bird hunting. Released birds supplement existing wild populations, which have declined considerably from historical levels because of habitat loss and changes in agricultural practices.
The releases take place at selected state game areas and other public hunting properties in southern Michigan. Hunters can pursue pheasants in grasslands, agricultural fields, and other suitable habitat, often with the help of pointing or flushing dogs.
Although stocked birds can improve hunting prospects, success is not guaranteed. Pheasants can disperse from release sites, and hunting pressure may increase considerably immediately after stocking. Hunters willing to explore less heavily hunted portions of these properties may find additional opportunities.
Where Are Pheasants Being Released?
According to the Michigan DNR, all 13 locations are scheduled to receive pheasants during both the October 20–November 14 and December 1–January 1 release periods.
The designated locations are:
- Cass City, Tuscola County
- Cornish, Van Buren County
- Crane Pond, Cass County
- Crow Island, Bay and Saginaw County
- Dansville, Ingham County
- Erie, Monroe County
- Lapeer, Lapeer County
- Leidy Lake, St. Joseph County
- Townline 16, Bay County
- Pointe Mouillee, Monroe and Wayne Counties
- Rose Lake, Clinton and Shiawassee Counties
- Stanton, Montcalm County
- St. Johns Marsh, St. Clair County
Hunters can find maps and parking lot directions for individual release sites on the DNR’s official pheasant release information page: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/hunting/small-game/pheasant-release-info
Michigan’s 2026 Pheasant Hunting Seasons and Regulations
Pheasant hunting dates vary by region. In the Upper Peninsula, the season opened October 10 and continues through October 31 in designated portions of Zone 1. In the Lower Peninsula, Zones 2 and 3 open October 20 and close November 14. Zone 3 also offers a second season from December 1, 2026, through January 1, 2027.
Michigan allows hunters to harvest male pheasants only, with a daily bag limit of two birds and a possession limit of four. Hunters must have an appropriate base hunting license. An additional $25 pheasant license is required for most hunters age 18 and older hunting on public lands in the Lower Peninsula or lands enrolled in the Hunting Access Program. Exemptions include hunters age 17 and younger, lifetime license holders, and those hunting on private land.
Supporting Michigan’s Upland Hunting Tradition
Michigan once supported substantially larger wild pheasant populations, but changes in agricultural practices and the loss of grassland habitat have reduced their numbers. Pheasants depend on a combination of nesting cover, winter shelter, and feeding habitat, making grassland conservation an important part of maintaining wild populations.
The release program provides more immediate hunting opportunities while helping introduce new hunters to upland bird hunting. Revenue from pheasant license sales helps fund the program, connecting hunter participation directly with continued hunting opportunities.
For hunters interested in pursuing wild pheasants, habitat remains especially important. Fields with native grasses, brushy edges, and nearby agricultural food sources can provide productive hunting conditions, particularly when birds have adequate cover from predators and harsh weather.
Plan Your Michigan Pheasant Hunt With Hunterizer
Michigan hunters have plenty of opportunities to pursue multiple species during the fall. Along with pheasants, seasons for ruffed grouse, woodcock, rabbits, squirrels, and other small game overlap at various times and locations.
The Hunterizer app helps hunters determine what they can legally hunt at their location on a particular date. It provides season dates, hunting zones, legal weapons, bag limits, shooting hours, and other important hunting regulations in one convenient place.
Whether you’re heading to one of Michigan’s 13 pheasant release areas or exploring other public hunting lands, Hunterizer can help you plan your hunt and stay informed about the regulations that apply.
