NYS Department of Environmental Conservation logo with image of day old pheasant chicks and one adult pheasant out in the snow

Pheasant Raising Project

Every spring the Department of Environmental Conservation offers an opportunity for 4-Hers to receive free pheasant chicks to raise for eventual release into the wild. This excellent opportunity gives 4-Hers the chance to learn about raising game birds and contribute to the betterment of hunting for all.

2023 Dates:

  • Chicks Order Deadline = March 15
  • Chick Pick-Up =  mid-May (delivery date and time determined by hatchery)

To Order

Contact Justine Bishop, 4-H Administrative Assistant, at jeb469@cornell.edu.  Please include your name, address, phone number, email address along with the number of chicks you would like ordered.  Minimum chick order is 35.

Pick Up

Please note that prior to picking up pheasant orders, 4-Hers must complete a Pheasant Raising Agreement Form and hand it in to the Extension office.  This form can be requested ahead of time or completed when you pick up your chicks.

Release of Pheasants

All birds must be released before December 1st of the current year and on land open to public hunting.  Pheasants cannot be released until they are 8 weeks old or older.  This allows the growing birds time to acclimate to the environment in an outdoor pen.  Birds should never be released to the outdoors directly from the brooding facility.

After Completion

A Pheasant Raising Project Record must be completed and returned to the Extension office.  A copy of the Project Record will be given to you when you pick up your chicks.

Need help?

A complete Day-old Pheasant Chick Program Guide can be downloaded from the NYS DEC website.  This guide  will help in preparing for and raising pheasants.

For questions or more information, contact Emily Roach.

4-H Team Leader

esc33@cornell.edu

(607) 865-6531