Saturday is a big day for area hunters as pheasant-hunting season officially opens statewide at 9 a.m.

Southwest Minnesota residents have extra reason for optimism as the pheasant index increased by 101% in the area, per the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

While numbers have increased locally, most of the state’s population declined; the east central region saw a 39% decline in its pheasant index while the southwest and central regions saw a 50% and 39% decline respectively. Lyon and Yellow Medicine counties are particularly plentiful with an average of more than 49 hunting prospects per square mile, per the DNR’s roadside report, while Murray and Redwood counties are primarily in the 25-49 range. 

The season will run through Jan. 1 with a two-rooster daily limit through the end of November and a three-rooster limit in December. 

While the season runs for several months, late October may be the best time to go out hunting, Jeremy Barck of Borch’s Sporting Goods said. He added that with the 10 to 20% increase in the pheasant population over the last few years, hunters may find it easier to come home with a catch.

All hunters are required to wear at least one item of blaze orange or pink clothing above the waist and possess a small game license. Those between 18 and 64 years old must also have a pheasant stamp.

With the weekend’s wet weather, waterproof boots or rain pants are good options for those looking to get out on day one of the season, Barck said. He added that bringing extra water and a first aid kit are also good things to have on hand in case of an emergency.

“If you don’t have a good hunting dog, find a friend that has one. That would be my best advice,” Barck said with a laugh.

He added that it’s not easy to find a good dog, but that they can be the difference between finishing a hunting trip with a pheasant or without one.

“You can walk out on the field and have a pheasant five feet from you and not know it. You’ve got a dog, it’ll know it’s there,” Barck said. Even after hitting one, it can be difficult to track it down after it falls; having a dog makes it easier to track down the catch, Barck said.

Maps of local hunting areas can be found at Borch’s Sporting Goods. Additional requirements, regulations and resources can be found on the DNR website at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/pheasant/index.html