Pheasant Foster Families Needed For Hatchling Release Program

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is once again looking for homes for pheasant hatchlings until they can ultimately be released to the wild.

Because of the nature of the program, however, not all of the hatchlings are guaranteed a happily ever after.

Applications are now available for the DEC's cooperative Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program, which allows people to participate in raising and releasing pheasants to "enhance fall hunting opportunities," New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced. The program is a partnership with hunters, 4-H youth and interested landowners.

"Pheasant hunting has a long history in New York and remains popular among hunters," Commissioner Seggos said. "The Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program is a great way to experience the outdoors and raise pheasants while providing hunters with the opportunity to learn about animal husbandry."

The Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program began in the early 1900s when the State Conservation Department (a precursor to the DEC) distributed pheasant eggs and chicks to farmers and rural youth. The tradition continues to this day.

Day-old chicks are available at no cost to participants who can provide a brooding facility, 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 and all release sites must be approved in advance by the DEC and be open for public pheasant hunting opportunities.

Applicants are required to provide daily care to the rapidly growing chicks, monitor the birds' health, and ensure the chicks have adequate feed and water. The pheasants may be released beginning when they are eight weeks old and must be released no later than Dec. 1.

The program is funded through the State Conservation Fund from license fees paid by hunters, trappers, and anglers.

In 2021, DEC distributed more than 34,500 day-old pheasant chicks to qualified applicants.

While the program might be part of a long-running tradition, this year, the DEC has moved to an online application process.

The application can be found on the Day-old Pheasant Chicks Program webpage, along with a "Pheasant Rearing Guide (PDF)."

Applications must be submitted by March 25. For questions about the program or eligibility, email wildlife@dec.ny.gov or call 607-273-2768.