BOISE, ID — Idaho’s youth pheasant hunting season begins Saturday, Oct. 4, and runs through Oct. 10, giving hunters 17 years old and younger a weeklong opportunity in the field before the general season opens.

According to Idaho Fish and Game, youth hunters with a valid Idaho hunting license can participate, while those 18 and older must wait until the general pheasant season begins later in October. The youth season provides an opportunity for young hunters to learn skills and gain experience before competing with the larger pool of hunters.

Hunters are not required to have an Upland Game Bird Permit to pursue stocked birds during this special season, but they must wear at least 36 square inches of visible hunter orange above the waist. A hunter orange hat meets this requirement. Youth who have never purchased a hunting license or completed hunter education may still participate through Idaho’s Hunting Passport Program.

This year, Fish and Game plans to release nearly 29,000 pheasants at 24 locations across the state, with most sites stocked ahead of the youth hunt. Release locations range from two to five sites per region, with daily shooting hours beginning at 10 a.m., except in the Clearwater Region where hunting starts at 8 a.m.

General pheasant seasons open Oct. 11 or Oct. 18 depending on the hunting zone. Nonresident hunters face a five-day waiting period before participating in the general season, but that restriction does not apply to youth hunters.

For more information on rules, pheasant stocking locations, and hunting zones, Idaho Fish and Game directs hunters to the 2024–25 Upland Game, Turkey and Furbearer seasons and rules booklet and the pheasant stocking program webpage.