Hunters may purchase additional permits, but the daily limit of two still applies.

Idaho's pheasant-hunting season opens in October and runs through December in management areas 1 and 3. Management Area 2 closes about a month earlier. Check the current regs for exact dates. Generally, the bag limit is three cocks per day, six in possession. Check the state Web site, www.iowadnr.com/wildlife/files/hunting.html, for exceptions.

Preserve/guided hunts are available. Contact:
• Flying B Ranch, at 1-800-472-1945;
• Hyer and Sons Ranch, (208) 337-4443;
• Malad Valley Upland Hunts, (208) 766-4208;
• Teton Ridge Guest Ranch, (208) 456-2650; and
• Western Wings, (208) 228-2581.

COLORADO
Pheasant hunting is big in the northeast portion of the state. Yuma County traditionally leads the state in harvest and hunting pressure. Phillips and Logan counties are contenders in both categories.

Their proximity to the large population centers is a big reason. A little extra travel time puts you in the relatively unheralded southeast where -- in addition to decent pheasant hunting and less competition -- scaled and bobwhite quail are a bonus.

Look for riparian zones with good habitat. Knock on doors or check out lands enrolled in the Walk-In Access program. About 160,000 acres were enrolled last season.

Be aware that you need a permit --and that opening dates vary.

Again, planning is everything. Contact biologists. If possible, avoid opening weekend. Hunters willing to work a little can expect decent hunting throughout the season.

East of Interstate 25, pheasant-hunting season runs Nov. 20 through Jan. 16. West of I-25, the season closes Jan. 2.

A non-resident license costs $11 daily, and $56 for the season.

Some of Colorado's best pheasant hunting occurs on outfitter-leased lands and preserves. Check out:
• Atkinson Expeditions, at (970) 568-9667;
• Buffalo Horn Ranch, (970) 878-5450;
• High Lonesome Lodge, (970) 283-9420;
• Rocky Mountain Roosters, (719) 635-3257; and
• Scenic Mesa Ranch, (970) 872-3078.

UTAH
In its 1950s and '60s heyday, Utah ranked high as a pheasant-hunting destination. Pheasant hunting remains a popular activity among diehard wingshooters. But huge declines in habitat means the large majority of today's hunting takes place on opening weekend.

That said, however, hunters with access to good habitat can expect fair-to-decent hunting throughout the season. Overall populations are expected to mimic last season's, which in general were considered "fair at best," according to Dean Mitchell, upland game coordinator for state Division of Wildlife Resources.

For many Beehive State hunters, preserves have become the option of choice. Check out:
• Avalon Hunting Preserve, at (435) 748-5700;
• Falcon's Ledge, (801) 454-3737;
• Hicken's Pleasant Valley Preserve, (435) 646-3194;
• Pheasant Grove Hunting Preserve, (435) 471-2245;
• Rendezvous Bend, (435) 563-5304; and
• Sun Down Ranch, (435) 471-7107.

NEW MEXICO
For the diehard hunter, the four-day general pheasant-hunting season, plus the several single-day permit-only hunts, amount to little more than a tease. Add in tough-to-impossible access to the best cover and -- well, as you can see, the Land of Enchantment is disenchanting for rooster addicts.