CHEYENNE – The Downar Bird Farm is gearing up for pheasant releases throughout the region. Release sites in SE Wyoming include Springer Wildlife Habitat Management Area, Table Mountain WHMA and Glendo State Park.
At Springer WHMA (Area 8), pheasants will be stocked daily during the Springer Special Hunt running from October 15 through October 31. Beginning in November, pheasants will be stocked twice weekly through the newly extended general season ending November 30.
Hunters are reminded that the areas around Bump Sullivan Reservoir and south of Road 42W are closed to pheasant hunting after November 13.
At Table Mountain WHMA (Area 7) and Glendo State Park (Area 9), birds will be stocked twice weekly through the general season, pending sufficient cover and birds. Stocking typically continues through mid-December.
Different release sites have different requirements, seasons and shooting hours. Hunters should review the upland game bird regulations prior to heading afield.
Drought Impacts
Current drought conditions and low water levels at Table Mountain have left the ponds unsuitable for waterfowl. If these conditions persist, Game and Fish will release pheasants on the unit throughout the general season to provide additional pheasant hunting opportunities.
However, if water levels increase and waterfowl are using the area, then stocking locations will be adjusted to maintain waterfowl hunting opportunities.
Also, no pheasants will be released on Walk-In Areas in Goshen, Platte or Laramie counties this fall, due to a lack of cover resulting from minimal moisture this summer.
Youth-only days
- Springer WHMA (Hunt Area 8) youth-only days are October 17, 25, 31
- Glendo State Park (Hunt Area 9) youth-only days are November 8, 15, 22, 29
Pheasant Special Management Permit
In hunt areas 7, 8, 9 and 11, a Pheasant Special Management Permit is required to hunt pheasants on:
- Springer and Table Mountain WHMAs
- Glendo State Park
- Any land enrolled in the Access Yes Program open to pheasant hunting.
These permits offset the cost of raising and releasing pheasants so Game and Fish can continue to provide increased pheasant hunting opportunities.
Springer Special Hunt
The 2026 Springer Special runs from October 15 through 31, where birds will be released daily after shooting hours conclude. In order to participate in this season, hunters must have:
- A Springer permit valid for the day
- A valid bird license
- Hunter safety
- If your hunter safety does not print on your license, you can now get it attached to your sportsperson ID during checkout.
- Conservation stamp
- Pheasant Special Management Permit
- Fluorescent orange or pink outer garment
- Nontoxic ammunition
Hunters must check in at the check station prior to hunting and must check out before leaving. The check station is open from 7:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Parking lot assignments shall be issued by the Game and Fish.
For further details, please refer to Section 5 of the regulations.
- WGFD -
