Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Press Release
Help conserve wildlife in Utah and make this fall’s pheasant hunt better, by adopting pheasant chicks, raising the birds, and then releasing them into the wild.
In mid-May, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will obtain 2,500 to 3,000 pheasant chicks, both roosters and hens. The chicks will be only one-day old when the DWR obtains them from a commercial bird grower.
DWR staff will then provide the chicks to individuals, families and groups who have agreed to participate in the agency’s Day-Old Pheasant Chick program.
If enrolled in the program, participants will raise the chicks to adulthood. Then, before the general pheasant hunt starts in November, the birds will be released into the wild.
The pheasants will be released on state wildlife and waterfowl management areas, walk-in access areas and private land that provides access to public hunters.
DWR Conservation Outreach Section Chief Dean Mitchell, explained that those participating in the program must cover all feeding expenses, as well as vaccinate and house the birds
Information about facilities needed to raise pheasants, and tips about raising the birds, are available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/uplandgame.
“Before entering the program, please read this informaiton,” Mitchell requested. “It will help you decide if the program is right for you.”
In addition to providing more birds to hunt, Mitchell says raising birds will give participants a chance to get involved in wildlife conservation and it should be a lot of fun.
“Raising a pheasant, from a chick to an adult, is a terrific activity that helps kids and adults understand some of the challenges wildlife face as they grow,” Mitchell stated. “Raising a chick will be an experience you won’t soon forget.”
After reviewing the information online, contact the Price DWR office at (435) 613-3700 to participate in the program.