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Environment DEC

From the March 2003 issue

Applications Due for Pheasant Release Programs

DEC is accepting applications for two cooperative programs designed to enhance opportunities for pheasant hunting in New York State. Applications for either program must be filed with a DEC regional wildlife manager by March 15, 2003.

Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program

Each year, cooperating groups
help DEC to care for and release
approximately 75,000 pheasants

This program makes day-old pheasant chicks available at no cost to participants who can provide a brooding facility, a covered outdoor rearing pen and an adequate release site. Applicants who meet the requirements will receive the day-old chicks in April, May or June.

Daily care is needed to monitor the chicks' health and to ensure that there is adequate food and water for the rapidly growing chicks. These young pheasants can be released after August 1, 2003 but no later than the end of the pheasant hunting season, which varies in 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

This program distributes pheasants that are five to eight weeks old free of charge in June and July. These months are ideal for releasing young pheasants because stable weather conditions, ample food and exceptional cover increase their chances for survival in the wild.

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. Food 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.

DEC Contacts

Individuals interested in these programs should contact their nearest DEC regional office for applications and additional information.

• 
• In This Issue:
• Enforcement Program Continues to Protect the Environment
• DEC's Environmental Education Centers Serve the Public Year-Round
• Applications for Waste Reduction and Recycling Awards Due in May
• Governor Pataki Recognizes Innovative Green Buildings
• New Volume of Hudson River Almanac Available
• New York State's Trout Season Opening April 1st
• Tree and Shrub Seedlings for Sale
• Report on Statewide Pesticide Use Will Assist Research Community
• Contact for this Page:
• NYSDEC
  DPAE
  625 Broadway
  Albany, NY 12233-4500
  518-402-8013
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