Wisconsin Cuts Fall Pheasant Stocking, but Hunting Season Stays Intact

Wisconsin will stock fewer ring-necked pheasants this fall and end most releases earlier, but the hunting season is not being shortened. The Wisconsin DNR says its stocking goal is dropping from 75,000 birds to 65,000 because of budget constraints.

The regular stocking schedule will end November 19, and the usual late-December stocking will not happen. Hunting remains open October 17, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Pre-stocking begins the week of October 12 so birds are on the landscape for opening day.

There is one important exception to the November stocking cutoff: Richard Bong State Recreation Area will stock pheasants during the week of November 30. That property operates a managed hunt with daily releases and requires daily pheasant hunting permits. Hunters should use the DNR's property-specific information rather than assume the statewide schedule tells the whole story.

The agency points to rising operating costs behind the reduction. Raising a pheasant cost $6.91 per bird in 2021 and $9.80 in 2025, while hunting license and wildlife stamp fees supporting the program have remained stable for 21 years. DNR says birds will be released in larger groups during each stocking, with the aim of leaving opportunity for hunters who cannot arrive immediately after a release.

For fall planning, separate the stocking calendar from the season dates. Check the current stocking information for the property you intend to hunt, carry the required licenses and stamps, and do not count on a fresh December release outside the announced schedule.