Ring-Neck Pheasant Male In Color On Farm Field In Springtime Stock Photography

The pheasant population in New York has declined nearly 90% since 1970. Most biologists believe it is because of a lack of fallow grasslands for nesting and brood-rearing. Wild pheasants are difficult to find. Today, the Department operates one pheasant propagation facility, the Richard E. Reynolds Game Farm located near Ithaca, New York. Hatching and distributing pheasants since 1927, the Ithaca farm provides pheasants for two current programs. The Day-old Pheasant Chick Program is a cooperative effort between the Department, landowners, sportsmen, and 4-H youth. The Adult Pheasant Release Program is run by Department staff with some pheasant stocking assistance provided by sportsmen.