Pheasants as Catalysts for Hunter Recruitment
By revitalizing this age-old tradition, New York aims to engage and inspire the next generation of hunters, fostering a deeper connection to the outdoors and wildlife.
Since 1908, New York State has been releasing pheasants to bolster wild upland game bird populations across the region. Initially, the state experimented with various bird species, including Hungarian partridge, quail, and waterfowl. However, by the 1950s-1960s, the focus shifted almost entirely to pheasants. During this period, the Conservation Department released over 80,000 adult pheasants annually, while cooperators raised 100,000 day-old chicks. Presently, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) purchases and raises approximately 50,000 started (8–10 week-old) and adult (18–22 week-old) pheasants during the summer and fall, releasing them in the fall and winter.
The purpose of stocking game birds has evolved over time. Contrary to a common misconception, the current pheasant propagation program does not aim to re-establish or bolster wild pheasant populations throughout the state. New York’s landscape has undergone significant habitat changes, with much of the state becoming fragmented and reforested over the past century. As a result, New York’s habitat is no longer able to sustain wild pheasants. Instead, the release program serves a different purpose: providing an upland game bird hunting opportunity and supporting hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) efforts.
New hunters often encounter barriers that hinder their participation. These obstacles include a lack of hunting companions, poor hunting success, unfamiliarity with suitable hunting locations, and limited access to hunting grounds. To address these challenges, DEC is implementing modifications to the pheasant program for the 2024–2025 season:
- Increased Stocking Frequency: DEC plans to boost the number and frequency of pheasant stockings.
- Extended Stocking Season: Winter stockings will occur where snow conditions allow, extending the hunting season.
- Strategic Release Sites: More release sites will be established within 20 miles of populated areas.
- Expanded Sponsored Hunts: The number of birds available for sponsored hunts (organized hunts for new hunters, women hunters, military veterans, or hunters with disabilities) will increase from 2,000 to 6,000 annually.
- Enhanced Access: All sponsored hunts will be publicly listed on the new DEC “learn to hunt” registration page, ensuring accessibility for potential new hunters.
- Improved release site information: DEC plans to improve the current interactive pheasant site map, including more information on stocking timing, number released, and access rules.
By revitalizing this age-old tradition, New York aims to engage and inspire the next generation of hunters, fostering a deeper connection to the outdoors and wildlife.
For more information on participating in or sponsoring a hunting opportunity, visit: http://on.ny.gov/learntohunt
For more information on the stocking program and release sites visit: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/small-game/pheasant
