Syracuse.com - DEC accepting applications for pheasant release program

[HuntingNY-News]

The program enhances opportunities for pheasant hunting in New York State through a partnership between DEC and the sporting community, 4-H youths and landowners interested in rearing and releasing pheasants.

The following is a DEC press release:

The application period is now open for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) cooperative Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program.

The program enhances opportunities for pheasant hunting in New York State through a partnership between DEC and the sporting community, 4-H youths and landowners interested in rearing and releasing pheasants. In 2013, DEC distributed 41,500 day-old pheasant chicks across the state to qualified 4-H and sportsmen applicants.

The Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program began in the early 1900s. In the early days, pheasant eggs and chicks were distributed to farmers and rural youth.

Adult pheasants at the Jamesville Correctional Facility.The program, which is run by the Onondaga Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs. The birds started off as chicks that came from the DEC.Dick Blume | [email protected] 

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.

Approved applicants will receive the day-old chicks in April, May or June. No chicks obtained through the Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program can be released on private shooting preserves.

All release sites must be approved in advance by DEC and must be open for public pheasant hunting opportunities. The program is funded through the state Conservation Fund from license fees paid by hunters, trappers and anglers.

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 beginning when they are eight weeks old and no later than December 1.

Interested? Contact the nearest DEC regional office. In Central New York, it's in Cortland. Call (607) 753-3095 x 247.

Applications must be filed with a DEC regional wildlife manager by March 15. A "Pheasant Rearing Guide" and additional information on the Day-Old Chick Program is available on the DEC website at dec,ny.gov.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog