Question: I haven't hunted for pheasant in years but would like to do so and introduce my daughter to the sport. I've heard the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) holds special pheasant hunts for new apprentice and returning hunters and that these hunts are paid for with funds generated by the upland game bird stamps that licensed hunters buy. Can you please provide me some information on this program regarding dates, locations, requirements and how to apply?

Answer: DFG holds many special hunts throughout the state specifically for apprentice (first-time) hunters, juniors (15 years and under), families, women and those who are mobility-impaired. These include hunts for wild turkey, quail, chuckar, pheasant and wild pigs. Planted pheasant hunts are for apprentice hunters only. Newly certified Hunter Education (HE) grads are especially encouraged to apply because they will be given priority one time only over others applying through regular drawings. Newly certified hunters just have to type their HE Cert number into the application and their names are automatically added to the first hunt roster. Those names will be drawn first, and based upon their preferences, selected for hunts not yet filled prior to those applying through the regular drawings. All hunts that do not include planted pheasants are for wild bird hunts and are not part of the priority selection with the HE Cert.

Special hunts are offered throughout the year. To view the schedule and apply:

1) Go to the DFG hunting page at www.dfg.ca.gov/Hunting/
2) Click the Online Application for Special Hunts link in the top right corner.
3) Create an account (quick and easy!) or log into an existing account.
4) Click the Select and Apply For Hunts link at the bottom of the next page.
5) All hunts available statewide will pop up, along with the dates, contact numbers and information.
6) Then just select which hunt(s) you're interested in.
7) Applicants will be notified shortly by e-mail of which hunt(s) they were successfully selected for.

If an applicant hasn't already purchased their license, which is a requirement to apply, it will take 24 hours to be entered into DFG's licensing system so it can be verified through the drawing application.