CASPER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department said on Wednesday that pheasant hunting season is underway in the state.
The department raises and releases pheasants at locations around Wyoming.
“If you are interested in keeping up with the releases for the Ocean Lake and Sand Mesa Wildlife Habitat Management Areas (WHMA) outside of Riverton, Wyoming, you should check out the online calendar,” Game and Fish said.
Game and Fish says that an average of over 3,700 pheasants have been released in the Sand Mesa and Ocean Lake areas each year since 1996. 40-45% of the pheasants are generally male pheasants.
“The calendar shows each day that peasants will be released this season,” Game and Fish add. “Biologist Greg Anderson updates the calendar as well to give the public important season notices and up to date information if releases need to be postponed or canceled.”
Game and Fish note that pheasants are generally released after 2 pm, after shooting hours have closed on a release day.
“Birds are released on Sand Mesa WHMA throughout the area directly north of Bass Lake and at all public access sites along the west and north side of Ocean Lake WHMA except the boat ramp,” Game and Fish said. This year a new release spot and a new parking area have been added above Pond #5 on the east side of Ocean Lake.”
“Any pheasant may be taken on the Sand Mesa and Ocean Lake WHMAs during the release period (check your regulations for specific dates). And please keep in mind that all hunters need a pheasant management stamp to hunt in these areas.”
Game and Fish note that if the calendar provides no special notifications, hunters should expect that birds were released as scheduled.
