Wyoming’s Downar Bird Farm to Release 17,500 Pheasants for Fall Hunting Season

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Downar Bird Farm in Yoder has successfully raised approximately 17,500 pheasants this year, which will be released across the region this fall, Oil City News reports.

The pheasant hunting season will begin with the Springer Special Pheasant Hunt, running from October 11 to October 31. Each day, pheasants will be released at the Springer/Bump Sullivan Wildlife Habitat Management Area (WHMA).

Special youth-only hunting days are scheduled for October 12, 20, and 26. On October 20, the Game and Fish Department, in collaboration with the First Hunt Foundation and volunteers, will host a mentored hunt for 10 first-time hunters aged 10–17. Although the mentored hunt event is full, other youth hunters can still participate in the designated youth hunting days.

All hunters participating in the Springer Special Pheasant Hunt must check in and out at the Springer Check Station. Hunters are advised to purchase the necessary licenses and stamps in advance to use the electronic fast pass for a quicker check-in process. A regulation change this year requires hunters to check in by 8 a.m., with unclaimed permits being issued to others on a first-come, first-served basis.

The daily bag limit for pheasants is three, with a season limit of nine. Due to dry conditions at the Springer WHMA, Game and Fish has requested that smoking be restricted to parking areas to reduce the risk of fire.

The regular pheasant hunting season will start on November 1 at the Springer WHMA, as well as other hunting areas in the region. These areas, including Table Mountain WHMA, Glendo State Park, and Goshen County Walk-in Area No. 63, will be stocked with pheasants at least twice a week, with the season expected to continue through mid-December.

Hunters should note that shooting hours at Table Mountain WHMA will now begin at 8 a.m., a change from the previous rule of starting half an hour before sunrise. Glendo State Park will host youth-only hunting days on November 3, 10, 17, and 24.

Due to drought conditions and a lack of cover, pheasant stocking will not occur this year at Goshen County Walk-in Area No. 24 and Laramie County Walk-in Area No. 2. For detailed information about hunting regulations and area-specific guidelines, hunters are encouraged to consult the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Upland Game Bird regulations, available online and at regional offices.

For questions, hunters can contact the Laramie Regional Office at 307-745-4046.