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Minnesota’s pheasant season opens with high expectations

Minnesota ring-necked pheasant hunters have reason for optimism in 2026, with bird numbers up 20% statewide and strong reports from the state’s rooster belt. Standing crops may challenge hunters early, but the season should improve as October unfolds. Here’s wishing everyone a safe, successful, and memorable Oct. 10 opener. The South Dakota season opens Oct. 17. (Stock photo)

Buckle up, Minnesota pheasant hunters: Saturday’s 9 a.m. opener could be the start of one of the best seasons in recent memory.
“Based on the numbers and anecdotal reports, it looks like we’re poised to have a really good opener,” said Roy Churchwell, Minnesota DNR resident gamebird consultant, echoing other managers and Pheasants Forever officials across the state’s pheasant range. “We had a warm winter by Minnesota standards, which helped with hen survival going into the nesting season, which was warm and drier than last year. Things look promising as we head into the season.”

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