Pheasant season opens Saturday

The state’s most popular hunting season opens tommorrow. Hunters are hoping last year’s record low take of pheasants turns around this season–as better weather has allowed the bird’s population to rebound. D-N-R Safety program supervisor Rod Slings says, baring bad weather, there should be thousands out in the field. He says the high number counts should lead to a big opening weekend. Slings says hunters should plan ahead before hitting the fields, and know what you’re going to do when you flush a bird.Slings says you need to know your safe zone of fire, and should wear orange and keep safety as the utmost priority. Slings says it’s important to be a respectful hunter. Slings says you should always get permission when hunting on private land, and be courteous to other hunters. The D-N-R estimates hunters could shoot 700 to 800-thousand birds.