Young hunters and families can head afield at two annual pheasant hunting events in Wyoming’s Sheridan Region this November. The Bud Love Youth Pheasant Hunt near Buffalo takes place Saturday, Nov. 14, followed by the Fort Phil Kearny Family Pheasant Hunt Nov. 27–29, 2026.
The events offer different opportunities: Bud Love reserves pheasant hunting for youth for one day, while Fort Phil Kearny welcomes adults to hunt alongside younger participants.
Youth Take the Lead at Bud Love
The annual hunt at Bud Love Wildlife Habitat Management Area near Buffalo is open to pheasant hunters ages 17 and younger. There is no limit on the number of participating youth, and hunters can come and go throughout the day.
On Nov. 14, pheasant hunting is restricted to youth across all lands within the management area. Adults may accompany and assist young hunters or hunt other species, but they may not harvest pheasants that day.
All pheasant hunters at Bud Love must wear at least one visible piece of fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink clothing, such as a hat, vest or jacket.
Family Hunting at Fort Phil Kearny
The Fort Phil Kearny Family Pheasant Hunt runs Nov. 27–29. The property is a Hunter Management Area enrolled in Wyoming Game and Fish’s Access Yes program.
No preregistration is required for the event, and participants may come and go throughout the day. Adults are encouraged to hunt and harvest pheasants alongside youth. Hunters should review the property’s ranch rules before arriving, available through the Game and Fish Hunter Management Area listings.
Each adult must pay the fort’s entrance fee: $4 for Wyoming residents or $8 for nonresidents. Youth younger than 18 enter free. Visitors with an annual state parks pass can display it in their windshield instead of paying the additional day-use fee.
Cash payments can be made at the fee canister near the stockade entrance. Payment is also available inside the Interpretive Center, which is scheduled to be open from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
What Hunters Need Before Heading Out
For both events, Wyoming resident hunters younger than 14 do not need a bird license or conservation stamp, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Nonresident youth are welcome, although their licensing requirements differ.
Every hunter, regardless of age, must have a Pheasant Special Management Stamp. The stamp costs $15.50 and is available online, at Game and Fish offices and through license-selling agents.
Participants must also have successfully completed a Hunter Safety Course or qualify for an exemption described in the regulations. Families should review the 2026 Upland Game Bird and Small Game regulation booklet, including its hunter safety and temporary exemption provisions, before attending.
Hunting at the Fort After the Family Event
Outside the Nov. 27–29 Family Pheasant Hunt dates, hunters must obtain a permission slip to hunt the Fort Phil Kearny Hunter Management Area.
Applications for pheasant hunting permission slips open Nov. 3 at 8 a.m. The free slips are issued online on a first come, first served basis. Six morning and six afternoon slips will be available for each day from Nov. 30 through Dec. 31.
To apply, visit the Wyoming Game and Fish website, select Public Access, then Hunter Management Areas. Hunters can also review property maps and ranch rules there.
Whether helping a young hunter at Bud Love or sharing a family outing at Fort Phil Kearny, plan ahead for licensing, hunter safety requirements and property rules.
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