As part of the Day-Old Pheasant Chick program, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has distributed pheasants to farmers and the public for rearing and release since 1919. Popularity and success of this program has continued since then, and the DEC’s Richard E. Reynolds Game Farm, located in Ithaca, continues to provide chicks to carry on this tradition and provide an opportunity for the public to raise and learn about this gamebird firsthand while increasing fall hunting opportunity and cultural awareness of upland gamebird hunting.
Applicants who meet the program requirements by providing appropriate brooding and rearing space, and selecting a proper release site that allows public pheasant hunting, are provided day-old pheasant chicks, free of charge. In addition to providing upland gamebird hunting opportunities, this program provides a chance for youth and adults alike to learn more about pheasant biology, habitats, and rearing practices. This program can be integrated into educational programs, environmental/agricultural groups in addition to individual applications. Pheasants acquired through this program must be released on either private or publicly owned properties that permit public pheasant hunting. If you would like to raise and release pheasants outside of the Day-Old Pheasant Chick program, please visit Domestic Game Bird Breeder License - NYSDEC for more information.
To learn more about the Ring-neck pheasant, its history, and current status in New York please go to https://www.dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/ring-necked-pheasant . If you need additional information or have questions, inquire at wildlife@dec.ny.gov subject line pheasants; or by calling the NYSDEC Reynolds Game Farm at (607)273-2768. Applications can be completed online after the new year at on.ny.gov/dayoldchicks and are due by April 1st 2025.
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