The Wyoming Game and Fish Department announced two upcoming pheasant hunting opportunities for families and young hunters in the Sheridan region. The events are designed to teach safe, responsible hunting while providing a chance to harvest abundant pheasant populations in the area.
Bud Love Youth Pheasant Hunt – Nov. 14
On Saturday, Nov. 14, the Bud Love Wildlife Habitat Management Area near Buffalo will host its annual youth‑only pheasant hunt. The Department defines youth hunters as anyone 17 years old or younger. There is no cap on the number of youth participants, and they may come and go throughout the day.
Resident hunters under age 14 are exempt from the bird license and conservation stamp but must be accompanied by an adult. Adults may be present to assist youth or hunt other species, but they are prohibited from taking pheasants on that day. Non‑resident youth may also join, though they must follow the same safety and licensing rules outlined in the 2026 Upland Game Bird and Small Game regulation booklet.
All participants, regardless of age, must possess a Pheasant Special Management Stamp, which costs $15.50 and is available online, at the Game and Fish office, or through licensed agents. Additionally, every hunter must have completed a Hunter Safety Course or qualify for a temporary exemption noted in the regulation booklet.
To increase visibility and safety, the Department requires every pheasant hunter on the Bud Love WHMA to wear at least one piece of fluorescent orange or pink clothing, such as a hat, vest, or jacket.
Fort Phil Kearny Family Pheasant Hunt – Nov. 27‑29
From Nov. 27 through Nov. 29, the Fort Phil Kearny Hunter Management Area will hold its annual Family Pheasant Hunt. The fort participates in the Game and Fish Access Yes program, and no pre‑registration is required. Families are encouraged to read the ranch rules before arriving, as hunters may come and go throughout each day.
Adults are welcome to hunt and harvest pheasants alongside youth. As with the Bud Love event, resident hunters under 14 need no bird license or conservation stamp but must be accompanied by an adult. Non‑resident youth may also participate, subject to the same regulations.
The same $15.50 Pheasant Special Management Stamp is required for all hunters. Completion of a Hunter Safety Course or eligibility for a temporary exemption remains mandatory.
Each adult must pay a modest fort entrance fee: $4 for Wyoming residents and $8 for non‑residents. Youth under 18 enter free of charge. Fees can be paid in cash at the fee canister near the fort’s stockade entrance or at the Interpretive Center, which is open from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Holders of an annual state parks pass may display the pass on their windshield and are exempt from the additional day‑use fee.
Outside of the Family Hunt dates, hunters must obtain a permission slip to hunt on Fort Phil Kearny. The slips are free and issued on a first‑come, first‑served basis via an online application that opens at 8 a.m. on Nov. 3. Six morning and six afternoon slips will be issued each day between Nov. 30 and Dec. 31.
Hunters can apply for permission slips, view interactive maps, and read specific ranch rules by visiting the Wyoming Game and Fish website, selecting the Public Access tab, and choosing “Hunter Management Areas.”
Why These Hunts Matter
Both events support the Department’s mission to promote wildlife conservation, safe hunting practices, and family involvement in outdoor recreation. By offering low‑cost, accessible hunting experiences, the Department helps preserve the region’s pheasant populations while fostering the next generation of responsible hunters.
For more information, contact the Sheridan Regional Office or consult the 2026 Upland Game Bird and Small Game regulation booklet.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
