DWR Designates Four Box Elder County Wildlife Areas for 2026 Pheasant Hunt Releases
The Leader (Tremonton) · Box Elder County, Utah
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has announced its 2026 release schedule for the upcoming pheasant and quail hunting seasons, designating four major public wildlife management areas in Box Elder County to receive pen-reared pheasants. The releases are planned ahead of the statewide general hunting opener on Saturday, Nov. 7.
In Box Elder County, birds will be released at the Bear River Land Conservancy BR Access WMA, Salt Creek WMA, Jensen Acquisition-North Public Shooting Grounds, and Harold S. Crane WMA. DWR biologists will distribute birds periodically throughout the general season, which continues through Dec. 6 for pheasants and Dec. 31 for quail.
DWR officials emphasized hunter safety and advised participants to give release crews ample space before hunting newly stocked parcels. Wildlife managers noted that while dry summer weather has reduced wild brood sizes across northern Utah, the weekly supplemental bird releases offer strong upland game opportunities for sportsmen throughout the Bear River Valley.