Before pheasant season opens for all hunters, Iowans ages 15 and younger will have an opportunity to hunt from October 22-23. Last year, the special youth-only season saw nearly 6,000 participants harvest over 2,500 roosters. The 2022 season is expected to yield similar results.

The aim is to give young hunters a chance, without the pressure or competition from other hunters when the season fully begins October 29. While youth hunters do not need a license or habitat fee, they must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older who possesses both. Only youth hunters are allowed to shoot pheasants during this two-day period, and they may bag one rooster per day.

For more information on pheasant season and hunting regulations, visit iowadnr.gov/hunting.