BOISE, Idaho — Idaho’s youth pheasant hunting season opens Oct. 8, giving young hunters a weeklong opportunity to take to the field before the statewide general season begins.
The youth season runs through Oct. 14 and is open statewide to licensed hunters age 17 and younger, including at locations where Idaho Fish and Game releases pheasants. The general resident pheasant season begins Oct. 15, while the nonresident season begins Oct. 20.
Young hunters who have never held a hunting license and haven’t completed hunter education can participate through Idaho’s Hunting Passport Program. Passport holders must be accompanied by an adult with a valid Idaho hunting license. Resident hunters younger than 12 who hold a junior license must also hunt with a properly licensed adult.
Idaho Fish and Game stocks pheasants at 24 locations around the state, including sites in each of its regions. Most stocking locations are expected to have birds available for the youth hunt. Hunters can check Fish and Game’s pheasant stocking website for individual locations and projected release schedules.
At most stocked release areas, pheasant hunting begins at 10 a.m. daily and continues until one-half hour after sunset. Stocked areas in the Clearwater Region allow hunting beginning at 8 a.m.
Hunters are encouraged to review the 2026-27 Idaho Upland Game, Turkey and Furbearer Seasons and Rules before heading afield. The booklet includes a map of the state’s pheasant zones along with youth-hunting requirements and season details.