Hunt Wild Pheasant in Controlled Fields
Gold Meadows Hunting Preserve offers professionally managed pheasant hunting with regularly stocked birds and multiple field options.
You arrive at the preserve, walk the field edges, and flush birds that behave like wild pheasant because they have been released into cover designed to mimic natural habitat. Each hunt puts you in realistic upland conditions where dogs work scent trails and birds hold tight before erupting into flight. You are hunting pheasant the way it is meant to feel, with the advantage of knowing the birds are there.
Gold Meadows Hunting Preserve stocks pheasant throughout the season and rotates fields to maintain fresh cover and unpredictable bird movement. You can book a private hunt for yourself or a small group, join a guided session with field support, or organize a larger party hunt with reserved birds and dedicated space. The preserve is located in central Minnesota with direct access from major routes, so you spend less time driving and more time in the field.
If you want to plan your next hunt or ask about field availability, reach out to Gold Meadows Hunting Preserve.
What Happens During a Typical Hunt
You check in, confirm your bird count, and head to the assigned field with your dog or one provided by the preserve. Staff direct you to the starting point and explain the field layout, including wind direction and cover type. You walk the rows, let the dog work, and take your shots as birds flush from grass, brush, or hedgerows.
After the hunt, you collect your birds and return to the lodge area for cleaning or bagging. The preserve handles bird stocking, field rotation, and safety monitoring so you focus on the shots and the retrieve. Each hunt is managed to feel natural while removing the uncertainty of finding birds on public land.
Fields are maintained throughout the season to support dog work and safe shooting lanes. The preserve does not allow hunting outside designated areas, and all participants must follow posted firearm and dog handling rules. These standards keep hunts safe and predictable for solo hunters and groups alike.
Questions hunters usually ask before booking
Most people want to know how the stocking schedule works, whether they need to bring a dog, and what happens if weather changes the day of the hunt.
What is included in a standard pheasant hunt?
You receive a set number of stocked birds, access to a designated field, and basic field direction from staff. Dogs, guides, and bird cleaning are available as add-ons depending on the package you select.
How far in advance do I need to book?
Private hunts and weekend slots fill quickly during peak season, so booking at least two weeks ahead is recommended. Midweek hunts often have more flexibility and shorter lead times.
What happens if weather makes the field unsafe?
You will be contacted before your scheduled time and offered a reschedule or refund. The preserve monitors conditions closely and prioritizes safety over completing every booked slot.
Why do stocked birds act like wild pheasant?
Birds are released into cover several days before your hunt, giving them time to settle, feed, and respond to dogs the way wild birds do. This creates realistic flushing behavior and flight patterns.
What should I bring to the hunt?
You need your shotgun, appropriate loads, blaze orange clothing, and your hunting license. Bring a dog if you have one, or request one when you book.
Gold Meadows Hunting Preserve manages stocking, field conditions, and safety protocols so you can focus on working your dog and taking clean shots. If you are ready to schedule a hunt or need details on group bookings, contact the preserve directly.
PHEASANT HUNTING AT GOLD MEADOWS
EXPERIENCE PHEASANT HUNTING AT ITS BEST
Experience pheasant hunting in Richmond, Minnesota, at Gold Meadows Hunting Preserve. For more than 56 years, hunters have come to Gold Meadows to enjoy reserved pheasant hunts across a variety of natural hunting cover in Central Minnesota.
Our hunting fields feature corn, grassland, swamps and cattails, creating different hunting conditions and opportunities throughout the season. Hunters can reserve morning or afternoon field time, bring their own hunting dog, or take advantage of available professional guide and dog services.
Whether you're planning a hunt with friends, introducing someone new to pheasant hunting, or organizing a larger group outing, Gold Meadows provides a straightforward preserve hunting experience without the traditional membership requirements.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC — NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED
You don't need to belong to a private hunting club to enjoy pheasant hunting at Gold Meadows.
Our preserve is open to the public, making it easy for Minnesota residents, out-of-state visitors, groups and experienced hunters to reserve a field and enjoy a day outdoors.
- No membership fees
- No guest fees
- No gun fees
- No Minnesota hunting license required for on-preserve hunts
- No pheasant stamp required
- No bag limits
- Morning and afternoon reservations
- Professional guides and hunting dogs available
Hunters pay for the pheasants released for their hunt along with any optional services selected.
| WHEN YOU HUNT | PRE-BUY PRICE |
|---|---|
| August – September | $25.25 per pheasant |
| October | $26.75 per pheasant |
| November | $27.25 per pheasant |
| December | $27.75 per pheasant |
| Normal Price | $30.00 per pheasant |
HUNT EARLIER. SAVE MORE.
The Pre-Buy Program is a simple way for hunters who already know they'll be visiting Gold Meadows during the 2026 season to plan ahead.
Purchase a minimum of $200 in pheasants by August 31, 2026, then use your pre-purchased birds during the applicable hunting period.
PRE-BUY DEADLINE: AUGUST 31, 2026
2026 PHEASANT PRE-BUY PROGRAM
PRE-BUY BY AUGUST 31 & SAVE ON YOUR HUNTS
Planning to hunt more than once this season? Gold Meadows' 2026 Pheasant Pre-Buy Program gives hunters an opportunity to purchase pheasants in advance and save compared with the normal $30 per pheasant price.
To participate, pay in advance by August 31, 2026.
$200 MINIMUM PRE-BUY
The price you pay per pheasant is based on when you hunt your pre-purchased pheasants.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR PHEASANT HUNT
Pheasant hunting conditions can change throughout the season, which is part of what makes every trip to Gold Meadows different.
Hunters can experience fields featuring corn, grassland, swamps and cattails, allowing dogs and hunters to work through varied cover instead of hunting the same conditions every visit.
Gold Meadows offers reserved morning and afternoon hunts, helping groups plan their day and field time before arriving.
BRING YOUR OWN DOG OR HUNT WITH OURS
A well-trained hunting dog can make a day in the field even more memorable. Hunters are welcome to bring their own hunting dogs to the preserve.
Don't have a dog? Gold Meadows also offers professional guide and dog services for hunters who want assistance in the field.
PHEASANT HUNTING FAQS
DO I NEED A HUNTING LICENSE TO HUNT AT GOLD MEADOWS?
No Minnesota state hunting license or pheasant stamp is required for on-preserve pheasant hunts at Gold Meadows Hunting Preserve. This makes Gold Meadows a convenient option for local hunters, groups and visitors coming to Central Minnesota for a pheasant hunt.
DO I NEED TO BE A MEMBER TO HUNT AT GOLD MEADOWS?
No. Gold Meadows is open to the public. There are no membership fees, guest fees or gun fees required to reserve a pheasant hunt at the preserve.
HOW MUCH DOES PHEASANT HUNTING COST AT GOLD MEADOWS?
The normal price is $30 per pheasant. Hunters can also participate in the 2026 Pre-Buy Program by purchasing at least $200 in advance by August 31, 2026. Pre-Buy pheasant prices range from $25.25 to $27.75 per bird, depending on when the pheasants are hunted.
HOW DOES THE 2026 PHEASANT PRE-BUY PROGRAM WORK?
Pay in advance by August 31, 2026, with a minimum Pre-Buy purchase of $200. Your price per pheasant is then determined by when you hunt: $25.25 in August–September, $26.75 in October, $27.25 in November and $27.75 in December.
WHAT TYPES OF COVER CAN I HUNT?
Gold Meadows offers varied pheasant hunting cover including corn, grassland, swamps and cattails. Different terrain and seasonal conditions help create a varied hunting experience throughout the season.
CAN I BRING MY OWN HUNTING DOG?
Yes. Hunters are welcome to bring their own hunting dogs to Gold Meadows. Professional guides and hunting dogs are also available for hunters who would like assistance during their hunt.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I RESERVE MY HUNT?
Pheasant hunting reservations should be made at least 24 hours in advance. Gold Meadows offers reserved morning and afternoon hunts, so making your reservation ahead of time helps ensure your group has its field time scheduled.
PLAN YOUR PHEASANT HUNT IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA
Located in Richmond, Minnesota, Gold Meadows Hunting Preserve provides pheasant hunting for hunters throughout Central Minnesota and visitors traveling to the St. Cloud area.
With more than five decades of experience, varied hunting cover, reserved fields, optional guide and dog services, and no membership requirement, Gold Meadows makes it easy to plan a pheasant hunt for yourself, your friends or a larger group.
Take advantage of the 2026 Pheasant Pre-Buy Program by August 31, or reserve your next morning or afternoon hunt.