Utah’s general-season pheasant hunt runs through Dec. 7, with pheasants released weekly on various wildlife management areas and Walk-in Access properties to boost hunting opportunities statewide.

“We release pen-reared pheasants each week during the general-season hunt to provide additional opportunities for hunters,” said Heather Talley, DWR upland game coordinator. “If you choose to hunt on one of our WMAs, be prepared to hike away from parking areas and other hunters — that’s often where the best chances for success are.”

Hunters can view release locations and schedules on the DWR website, which lists youth-only sites, general-season sites, and areas that host both hunts. Pheasants will be released at varying times and days to reduce overcrowding and improve fairness for all hunters.

The DWR also urges hunters to follow safe hunting practices when biologists are releasing birds. “We’ve experienced unsafe situations in past years,” Talley said. “Please wait until we’ve finished releasing birds and have left the area before you begin hunting.”

Hunters should note that lead shot is prohibited on several WMAs. Only nontoxic shot such as steel may be used in those areas.

While pheasant populations are holding steady in some regions, the DWR reports that overall numbers are slightly lower this year due to dry conditions.

Pheasant hunting tips:

Pheasants prefer fields of grain, corn, or wheat bordered by tall grass or woody vegetation like chokecherry or red cedar. In winter, they often seek cover in wetlands with thick cattails or bulrush. Hunting with a trained dog increases success, though hunters without dogs can do well by walking slowly and pausing often to flush birds.

Quail season: Nov. 1-Dec. 31

Utah’s general-season quail hunt runs through Dec. 31, with both California and Gambel’s quail offering opportunities for hunters across southern and central Utah.

“Quail numbers are down slightly overall this year, though some areas in southeastern and northeastern Utah saw decent brood production,” Talley said.

Hunting tips for quail:

• Gambel’s quail are found in desert foothills and dry washes with black brush or Joshua trees.
• California quail prefer wetter areas with dense cover such as creek bottoms and washes.Both species tend to hide rather than fly, making a trained bird dog a valuable hunting partner. For hunters without dogs, moving slowly through likely cover can still yield success.

Hunters should remember that many quail habitats lie on private property and that written permission from landowners is required before hunting.

Youth and beginner hunts

To introduce more young people to the sport, the statewide youth pheasant hunt will run Oct. 25-30, and the youth quail hunt will run Oct. 25-27. Youth hunts are open to those 17 and under who have completed Hunter Education (or who qualify under Utah’s Trial Hunting program).

The DWR and its partners will also host free youth and beginner hunts at locations across central and southern Utah, including:

• Oct. 25 – Huntington Game Farm WMA (Emery County)
• Nov. 1 – C-A-L Ranch, Cedar City
• Nov. 8 – Annabella WMA (Sevier County) and Pahvant WMA (Millard County)
• Nov. 8 – Santaquin WMA (Utah County) – adult beginner hunt at 9:30 a.m., youth hunt at 12:30 p.m.

Details and registration for these events can be found on Eventbrite or through the DWR website.

Upland game slam returns

Hunters looking for an extra challenge can participate in Utah’s Upland Game Slam, a DWR program that rewards participants for harvesting a variety of upland species while funding habitat projects across the state.

A new “Appetizer Slam” this year includes smaller game birds such as California quail, Gambel’s quail, and mourning dove. Hunters who complete the slam receive a collectible coin, and entry fees ($20 for adults, $10 for youth) help support upland game management.

“The Upland Game Slam is a fun way to challenge yourself while giving back to wildlife conservation,” Talley said. “Last year, the DWR Habitat Council allocated more than $290,000 for upland game habitat projects.”

Hunters are encouraged to review the 2025-26 Utah Upland Game and Turkey Guidebook for full regulations, season dates, and legal weapons for hunting pheasants, quail, and other upland species.

For maps, hunt details, and updates, visit wildlife.utah.gov.