The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment reminds hunters that pheasant season opens across the Lower Peninsula Wednesday, Oct. 20.

Each year the DNRE monitors pheasant populations through the mail carrier brood survey.  Results of this year’s survey were comparable to 2009.

“Prospects for the upcoming hunting season are similar to last year,” said DNRE upland game bird specialist Al Stewart.  “Hunters looking for the best success should focus on grasslands adjacent to agricultural fields.  Habitat is key to locating pheasants.  Habitat is also critical for maintaining pheasant numbers.”

Pheasant season runs through Nov. 14.  It reopens in select areas of southern Michigan Dec. 1 and runs through Jan. 1.  Check the 2010 Michigan Hunting and Trapping Digest for details.  The daily bag limit for pheasants is two roosters with a possession limit of four.