LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is releasing rooster pheasants in nine wildlife management areas in time for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

The nine areas include: Oak Valley (Madison County), Wilkinson (Platte County), Sherman Reservoir (Sherman County), Pressey (Custer County), Branched Oak (Lancaster County), Yankee Hill (Lancaster County), Twin Oaks (Johnson County), Hickory Ridge (Johnson County) and Peru Bottoms (Nemaha County).

The pheasants will be released to increase hunter opportunities to encourage families to go hunting together.

The pheasant season runs through Jan. 31.

Contact Game and Parks at 402-471-0641 for more information.