Orange Vests and Autumn Skies: North Dakota’s Pheasant Season Is Here

Elmer Fudd’s grin is getting wider by the day—pheasant season is here again in North Dakota! The 2025 pheasant hunting season officially opens Saturday, October 11, and runs through January 4, 2026.

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This annual tradition draws hunters from all corners of the country, eager to chase the colorful and elusive ring-necked pheasant across North Dakota’s wide-open prairies. From golden autumn fields to crisp winter mornings, the season offers more than just a hunt. It’s a celebration of outdoor spirit, camaraderie, and conservation.

But before you grab your shotgun and hit the fields, it’s important to brush up on the latest regulations and safety reminders from the North Dakota Game & Fish Department to make sure your hunt is both successful and safe.

Hunting Regulations

Before heading out, hunters must follow all state hunting laws and regulations:

• Licenses & Permits: A valid North Dakota hunting license and pheasant permit are required. These can be purchased online or at authorized vendors statewide.

• Bag Limits: Be sure to review current daily and possession limits before your hunt. These limits help protect bird populations for future seasons.

• Hunting Hours: Shooting hours are from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset.

• Hunter Education: Anyone born after December 31, 1961, must complete a certified hunter education course.

• Landowner Permission: Always get permission before entering private property—respect for landowners keeps this tradition alive.

Read More: North Dakota Hunting Etiquette: 5 Rules Every Hunter Should Follow

Safety Tips for a Great Hunt

Safety is the key to an enjoyable pheasant season. Keep these reminders top of mind:

• Wear Blaze Orange: Hunters must wear at least one visible article of blaze orange clothing (hat or vest) for visibility and safety.

• Muzzle Control: Always point your firearm in a safe direction and keep it unloaded until ready to hunt.

• Trigger Discipline: Keep your finger off the trigger until it’s time to shoot.

• Identify Before Shooting: Never fire at sound or movement—positively ID your target first.

• Communicate: If hunting in a group, agree on safe zones of fire and stay in contact.

• No Alcohol: Save the celebration for after the hunt—firearms and alcohol never mix.

• Prepare for Weather: Dress in layers, watch for changing conditions, and pack a small first aid kit and emergency contacts just in case.

As the fields turn gold and the chill of fall settles in, North Dakota’s pheasant season is once again ready to deliver adventure and tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, take the time to hunt safely, respect the land, and enjoy one of the most iconic outdoor experiences the state has to offer. Good luck, and happy hunting!