The Best Pheasant Hunting States (and How to Hunt Them)

While there are some strong states for hunting these birds, such as South Dakota, with world-class pheasant hunting, there are also more understated opportunities and public land hunts that stand out as elite locations and challenging hunts. 

If you're planning your next pheasant hunt or are just interested in seeing what's out there, here are some of the best pheasant hunting states, plus insider strategies, below. 

South Dakota: The Pheasant Hunting Capital 

What more is there to say? South Dakota is the pinnacle of pheasant hunting.

With the highest pheasant population in the US, South Dakota has seen over a million pheasants harvested annually in recent years. 

While this may make it sound easy to bring home a bunch of birds, there are numerous public land opportunities (over 5 million acres) supported through the Walk-In Area (WIA) program, adding a touch of authenticity and challenge to your hunt.

Based on previous years, areas surrounding Aberdeen, Mitchell, and Pierre have produced high numbers and quality birds. That being said, don't let that stop you from jumping on the HuntWise app to target some less-pressured zones that may be holding decent bird numbers. 

North Dakota: Underrated and Productive

What throws people off is that while there are a stunning 2.5 million acres of public land in North Dakota, not all of it is excellent for pheasant hunting. However, with less pressure and decent bird numbers, the Peace Garden State has a lot to offer.

The Private Land Open to Sportsmen (PLOTS) program offers public walk-in access and is currently working to provide more opportunities for hunters. To be successful in North Dakota, you'll need to work in mixed environments, which include diverse terrains, such as crop fields, wetlands, and grasslands. 

Nebraska: Cornfields and CRP Gold

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) was a genius move to encourage private landowners and agriculturalists to convert erosion-prone or sensitive areas into natural cover and grasslands. These fields have, therefore, been transformed into prime pheasant habitats.

The Open Fields and Waters (OFW) program boosts access to over 800,000 public-access acres, meaning there are public opportunities available if you want them. However, many will tell you that the best hunting is private, and it makes sense, as only 2% of the land has public access.

For the best pheasant hunting, target the South West zones. 

Kansas: Long Seasons and Big Birds

Every season, over 100,000 dedicated bird hunters set out to tackle the top Kansas pheasant environments, including key regions such as the Smoky Hills, High Plains, and Red Hills. It’s not just ringnecks in this territory; there are plenty of other mixed-bag opportunities, including quail and prairie chicken.

Your best bet will be targeting the Conservative Reserve Program (CRP) fields and agricultural land, which creates prime cover and supports decent populations. The pheasant season typically runs for up to three months, so there’s plenty of opportunity to take some lovely birds in the Sunflower State. 

Oregon: The Western Wildcard

At first, a sleeper state, Oregon is emerging as one of the best pheasant hunting states.

Eastern Oregon (Malheur, Harney counties) holds the best promise with both pen-raised birds and wild. The shooting is relatively easy and perfect for a newcomer to the sport.

During the fee-hunting seasons, bids are released fairly frequently (often daily), meaning you can grab your buddies and set up a DIY hunt with ease. 

Montana: Big Sky and Big Opportunities 

Montana is a great hunting state, full stop.

While many are drawn to the allure of big game hunting deep in the mountainous regions, there's world-class ringneck hunting if you're willing to look for it. Extensive public lands and the Block Management Program (encompassing millions of acres of private land) provide access to the lowland valleys where pheasants tend to congregate and manage areas such as grain fields and river bottoms. 

While bird numbers tend to fluctuate, you're hunting God's Country, and sometimes being in these hunting zones is reward enough. 

Iowa: Consistent Habitat, Steady Numbers

Significant efforts have been made in the Hawkeye State to increase pheasant numbers and enhance habitat resilience in recent years, including the utilization of CRP land and the restoration of prairies to support healthy populations. With DNR programs focusing on sustainable pheasant recovery, Iowa is coming into its own as a pheasant state, especially in North-central and Northwest Iowa.

Minnesota: Where Prairie Restoration Pays Off

Head straight to the Western and Southwestern regions for elite pheasant hunting and access to 1,440 public wildlife areas, which equate to approximately 1.29 million acres.

While you may need to do more research before heading out into the field, some pre-hunt scouting of wetlands, grassy ditches, and crop edges will put you onto some decent birds. Waterfowl protection areas, the Walk-In Access (WIA) program, and Wildlife Management Areas ensure that numbers and hunting access remain strong in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. 

Pennsylvania: An Eastern Tradition

Due to a strong stocking program (approximately 230,000 birds) during the fall and winter periods, a strong local pheasant hunting tradition has developed. Additionally, these programs, combined with the decent land access offered by the State Game Lands, make Pennsylvania one of the best states for pheasant hunting. 

Colorado: An Upland Game Hidden Gem 

While some may believe Colorado hunting ends with elk and mule deer hunts, there are plenty of strong pheasant and quail numbers scattered across the east and north. 

Some scouting and preplanning should put you in the Northeast Colorado region, specifically in Yuma, Phillips, and Logan counties, for top pheasant hunting. There is public access through the Walk-In Access Program, as well as State Wildlife Management properties that support birdlife. 

How To Find and Hunt Pheasants in The Best Pheasant Hunting States 

Do you have an idea of where you'd like to head from the list of the best pheasant-hunting states above? Use the tips below to zone in on quality pheasant territories and make the most of your hunt. 

Where to Find Them

Pheasants can be found strutting and hiding in a range of mixed and edge environments, including agricultural fields, wetlands, and grasslands, especially where two zones meet, such as where croplands meet grass or brush. In wooded areas, pheasants may be more hidden, but they're still in there.

Focus on CRP lands, fence lines, cattail sloughs, and shelterbelts where public access is permitted. Depending on the state where you choose to hunt, visit the wildlife agency website for mapping and CPR access rights information for public land hunting, and utilize the HuntWise app for up-to-date insights on private and public land mapping.

For in-person scouting, target early morning or late afternoon sessions. 

How to Hunt Them

Hunting without a bird dog is possible, but it is often done in large groups to assist with flushing birds. Wherever possible, use a well-trained bird dog (flushers or pointers) for better success, as they'll not only uncover the location of the birds in the tall grass or dense cover but can also retrieve downed birds. 

Regarding movement, you can work the edges of fields and ditches or move and zigzag through cover to flush birds. Hunt midday when birds are holding tight to cover and move slowly through their habitat.

Pheasants tend to run just as much as they fly. High-pressure hunting in these zones will get them in the air. 

Use Hunting Maps (like HuntWise) and Apps

By leveraging a combination of online state wildlife maps and the various overlay features of the HuntWise app, you'll be able to uncover less-pressured but high-potential hunting zones. Open the app and mark habitat types, boundaries, and access rules in advance to ensure you're always heading to the right spot. 

Timing and Weather Apps

Weather significantly impacts the outcome of a pheasant hunt, including habitat, behavior, and movement. Wind can play a significant factor, causing birds to flush or run erratically and unpredictably. Cold mornings after snow make for calm and easily trackable hunting conditions, as well as the afternoon after pressure dies down.

Download HuntWise for real-time wind speed direction and forecasting insights (using HuntCast and WindCast) that will put you in the right place at the right time. 

Be Mindful of Regulations and Ethics

Remember, every state has its seasons, bag limits, and license requirements, as well as possible hunter education minimum requirements.

Additionally, as a general rule, always respect landowners and clean up after yourself. Don't shoot birds on the ground ("ground swatting"), as it's unsafe, unethical, and a great way to get banned from a hunting location. 

Plan for Pheasant Hunting Success With HuntWise

Pheasant hunting combines the excitement of dog work, planning, flushing, and fast-paced shooting, which are just some of the reasons why hunters become addicted to this sport. If you're planning a public land and walk-in access hunt, it's hard to beat one of the states we've highlighted today.  

Improve your chances of success with the mapping features and forecasting you'll find in the HuntWise hunting app! We'll help you determine the best time to go hunting for pheasants and where they are.

Download HuntWise and try it free for your first week!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the answers to your questions about the best states for pheasant hunting!

1. What are the top states for pheasant hunting?

South Dakota, North Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa are often ranked highest for pheasant numbers and hunting opportunities. Check out our other recommendations above!

2. Where in South Dakota can I find the most pheasants?

The highest bird densities in South Dakota are in the central and eastern regions, especially around the Missouri River and towns like Aberdeen and Huron.

3. When is the best time of year to hunt pheasants?

Check your state's open season dates for pheasant hunts. However, generally, late October through November often offers thicker cover, cooler weather, and birds holding tighter for dogs.

4. What type of habitat is ideal for finding these birds?

Focus on harvested grain fields, CRP grasslands, and shelterbelts near water. These areas provide both cover and food.

5. Do I need a dog to pheasant hunt effectively?

Don't let not having a hunting dog keep you from a pheasant hunt! However, well-trained pointing or flushing dogs can increase your chances of finding and retrieving birds.