Cornell Cooperative Extension

Delaware County
Pheasant chicks, approximately 1 hour old
Image by Ciaran Gultnieks

Pheasant chicks in a box, approximately 1 hour old

Pheasant Raising Project

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

NOTE: As of 2024, all pheasant chick registrations and pick are handled directly through the DEC, not the 4-H Office. Learn about the DEC's Cooperative Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program (DOCP), find a downloadable guide Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program Guide (PDF) that provides guidance on how to rear and release day-old pheasant chicks received from DEC, contact information and more at: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/small-game/pheasant.

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.


Contact

Kaitlyn Conklin, BS
4-H Community Educator
krs257@cornell.edu
(607) 865-6531

Last updated January 13, 2025

4-H Projects & Programs

DEC Chick Program

The DEC's Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program began over 100 years ago as a way for surplus pheasant eggs from state game farms to be utilized and distributed to farmers to place under broody hens. Since then, the program has continued to grow and develop into what it is today. More than 160 applications, including thirty Cooperative Extension 4-H programs, are approved for participation in the DOCP annually. Many more clubs, individuals and youth participate in the raising and distribution of the pheasants.

Each cooperator receives a specified number of day-old chicks to raise and release at no additional expense to DEC. All birds must be released on lands open for public hunting. Program participants include 4-H youth, sportsmen clubs and county federations, landowners, NYS Department of Corrections, and other individuals. DOCP cooperators allow pheasant hunting on hundreds of sites and thousands of acres of privately owned lands.

The program provides educational opportunities while supplementing the landscape to increase fall hunting success. Pheasant 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 that allows pheasant hunting access. Participating in raising and releasing pheasants is a great way to get youth involved in the outdoors while supporting New York's longstanding tradition of pheasant hunting. MORE INFORMATION HERE.

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