Pheasant Hunting Information
Pheasant Hunting
Pheasant hunting in New York is steeped in tradition. Since the first hunting season for pheasants was designated in 1908, New York sportsmen and sportswomen have held the ring-necked pheasant in highest regard. During the late 1960's and early 1970's upland game bird hunting for pheasants had no equal. The raucous cackle of the male pheasant flushing from cover was common place. Today, the wild pheasant population is at an all time low. Not to be dismayed, hunters can still enjoy days afield looking for those hidden pockets of wild pheasants in western New York or pursuing state-stocked pheasants raised on the Richard E. Reynolds game farm in Ithaca. Annually, over 25,000 adult pheasants are released just prior to and during the fall pheasant hunting season. Releases occur across the state on well publicized state and private lands open to public hunting.
Most pheasant hunting takes place in open agricultural fields associated with grain farming or on abandoned farmland covered in aster, goldenrod and other early succession plants. Abandoned farmlands make great release sites for stocking game farm-reared pheasants. Remember, pheasants are not a woodland species. They prefer to nest, roost and raise broods in grassland areas nestled in among rows of corn, wheat, oats and an occasional cattail marsh used for winter cover. Hunting pheasants in this open setting is what makes pheasant hunting so appealing. Successful hunters employ trained bird dogs to help them locate pheasants and retrieve downed game. Popular hunting dogs include flushing breeds like the springer spaniel and Labrador retriever or pointers like the German shorthaired pointer and the Brittany spaniel. So gather a few friends, your favorite hunting dog, and enjoy the brilliance of fall while hunting for the wily ring-necked pheasant.
Here are some helpful hints!
- You must possess a small game license to hunt pheasants. Thoroughly read the Department's Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide to become familiar with pheasant hunting regulations.
- Do your preseason scouting and planning. Don't wait until opening day to decide where you want to hunt. Review the list of areas stocked with state-reared pheasants.
- Ask permission from landowners to hunt. Common courtesy will ensure you have a place to hunt next year.
- Get yourself and your dog in good physical condition for a safe and enjoyable hunting season.
- Respect other hunters space. Don't crowd. Share the hunting areas and the opportunity to harvest a bird.
More about Pheasant Hunting Information:
- Pheasant Release Sites - Locations planned for pheasant releases by NYS-DEC
- Historic Pheasant Harvest - Table showing estimated pheasant harvest in New York for 1982 - 1999
