COLUMBUS - More than 15,000 ring-necked pheasants will be released on 29 public hunting areas across the state this fall, as part of a seasonal effort by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife to enhance hunting opportunities for this popular game bird.

Ring-necked pheasants will be released on October 20 and 27 (both Fridays) in anticipation of the following weekends' small-game season for youth hunters. Releases will also take place on the evenings of November 2 and 9, both Thursdays. Wednesday, November 22 will be the last release to increase pheasant hunting opportunities during the Thanksgiving weekend.

Pheasant hunting season opens Friday, Nov. 3 and remains open through January 7, 2007, with a daily bag limit of two rooster (male) birds. Statewide hunting hours are sunrise to sunset.