Idaho’s youth pheasant hunting season begins on October 8, offering a dedicated week for younger hunters to participate before the general public season starts.
Season Dates and Age Limits
The Department of Fish and Game has scheduled the youth hunt to run from October 8 through October 14. Participants must be 17 years old or younger to take part in this specific window. Individuals who are 18 years of age or older are prohibited from hunting pheasants during these seven days.
General pheasant hunting for all ages resumes statewide on October 15. Nonresident hunters face a five-day delay before they can participate in the general season, but this restriction does not apply to the youth hunt.
Licensing and Safety Requirements
Youth participants must possess a valid Idaho hunting license. However, an Upland Game Bird Permit is not required for hunters at locations where birds are stocked by the agency.
Safety regulations require hunters to wear at least 36 square inches of visible hunter orange above the waist when hunting at stocking locations. A standard hunter orange hat typically satisfies this visibility requirement.
Inexperienced youth who do not have a license or have not completed hunter education can participate through Idaho’s Hunting Passport Program. Passport holders must be accompanied by an adult who holds a valid Idaho hunting license. Additionally, resident youth under the age of 12 with a junior license must also be supervised by an adult with a valid license.
Stocking Locations and Bird Counts
The Fish and Game department plans to release nearly 29,000 pheasants across the state in 2026. There are 24 designated pheasant stocking locations, with two to five sites in each region. Most of these locations will be stocked specifically for the youth hunt.
Hunters can find specific stocking locations and bird counts on the Pheasant Stocking Program webpage. The agency maps pheasant zones on page 11 of the 2026-2027 Idaho Upland Game, Turkey & Furbearer Seasons and Rules booklet.
Hunting Hours
Hunting hours vary by region. In most areas, hunting begins at 10 a.m. daily during the youth season. However, in the Clearwater Region, the hunt starts earlier at 8 a.m.
Full rules and regulations for the season are detailed on pages 11 through 13 of the official 2026-2027 Idaho Upland Game, Turkey & Furbearer Seasons and Rules booklet. Hunters are encouraged to review these guidelines before heading into the field.