Environment DEC
From the February 2005 issue
DEC Accepting Applications for Pheasant Release Programs
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is accepting applications for two cooperative programs designed to enhance opportunities for pheasant hunting in New York State. The Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program and the Young Pheasant Release Program provide pheasant hunting opportunities through a partnership of DEC, sportsmen and sportswomen, 4-H youth, and landowners who are interested in rearing and releasing pheasants.
DEC's ten-year plan for ring-necked pheasants will guide pheasant management through 2008
"For nearly 100 years, pheasant raising programs have greatly enhanced hunting opportunities across New York State," DEC Commissioner Crotty said. "Program participants can help continue this longstanding tradition for future generations of New Yorkers."
Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program
In 2004, DEC distributed 62,133 day-old pheasant chicks and 15,800 young pheasants to qualified applicants through the two programs. Applications for either program must be filed with a DEC regional wildlife manager by Tuesday, March 15, 2005.
The Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program began in the early 1900s. At that time, pheasant eggs and chicks were distributed to farmers and rural youth. Today, day-old chicks are available at no cost to participants who are able to provide a brooding facility, a covered outdoor rearing pen, and an adequate release site. Applicants who meet these program requirements will receive the day-old chicks in April, May, or June.
The best area for pheasant
management remains a band
of 13 counties in the
lake plains of western
New York State
Daily care is necessary to monitor the health of the birds and to ensure that there is adequate feed and water for the rapidly growing chicks. The pheasants may be released when they are eight weeks old or older, but no later than the end of the pheasant-hunting season, which varies for different regions of the state. All release sites must be approved in advance by DEC and must be open for public hunting.
Young Pheasant Release Program
The Young Pheasant Release Program was developed in 1992 with assistance from organized sportsmen and sportswomen. It is funded through license fees charged to hunters, trappers and anglers. The program provides a more traditional hunting experience for wilder birds and the opportunity for hands-on involvement in improving pheasant-hunting opportunities.
This program distributes young pheasants--7 to 10 weeks old--free to cooperators in June, July, and August. The summer months are ideal for releasing young pheasants because of stable weather conditions, ample food, and exceptional cover that allows the birds to escape from predators.
Each release site approved by DEC is eligible to receive 40 young pheasants. A pen built by the cooperator is used to gently release the birds into their new environment. Feed and water are provided for two weeks, slowly acclimating the birds to life on their own. No pheasants can be released on private shooting preserves, and all release sites must provide public pheasant hunting opportunities.
Individuals interested in either of these programs should contact their nearest DEC regional office for applications and additional information.
