MENOMINEE, Mich. (AP) — The Upper Peninsula is getting the first crack at Michigan's pheasants.

The state's annual hunting season for pheasants opens Saturday in Menominee County and portions of Delta, Dickinson, Iron and Marquette counties. Hunters in those areas can take birds until the end of October.

The season will open in Lower Michigan on Oct. 20 and runs through Nov. 14. Some areas of Lower Michigan will have additional hunting days starting Dec. 1 and running through Jan. 1, 2010.

Hunters with a small-game license are limited to two pheasants a day. Only male pheasants can be hunted in Michigan.

The state Department of Natural Resources says ring-necked pheasants were introduced to Michigan from China in 1895.