ST. PAUL — The Minnesota pheasant hunting season opens at 9 a.m., Saturday with good survey news from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The annual roadside pheasant survey shows a 42% increase in the state pheasant index compared to 2019. The 2020 roadside survey is 37% above the 10-year average.

Hunters should check regulations before they go into the field. Hunters age 16 to 64 must purchase a small game license and pheasant stamp to hunt pheasants in Minnesota.

All pheasant hunters must wear at least one visible article of clothing above the waist that is blaze orange or pink.

Bag and possession limits, pheasant transportation requirements, a hunting prospects map and more information at available on the DNR website: www.dnr.state.mn.us.