Game and Parks reminds hunters: No pheasants available to be released for youth season, Thanksgiving weekend

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds hunters it will not be releasing pen-reared pheasants before the youth pheasant season and Thanksgiving holiday this year. Unlike past years, vendors were unable to provide the pheasants this year.

The statewide youth season is Oct. 22-23, but only youth ages 15 and younger will be allowed to hunt. The youth season provides a great opportunity to expose youth hunters to upland bird hunting and spend quality time afield. To find new places to hunt, refer to the Nebraska Public Access Atlas, which is available at OutdoorNebraska.org/PublicAccessAtlas.

People interested in hunting pen-raised birds in a more controlled environment are encouraged to visit one of state’s 48 Controlled Shooting Areas. CSAs are privately-owned areas for hunting upland gamebirds during an extended season. For more information, visit OutdoorNebraska.org/CSA.

Other options for youth hunters include attending a free Youth Mentor Hunt event (ages 12-15) or participating in the Next Steps Hunt Program, both sponsored by Pheasants Forever chapters throughout the state. For more information, visit NebraskaPF.com.

In recent years, Game and Parks has released approximately 16,500 pheasants on 19 public areas across the state. The agency is planning to release pheasants next year.