CLUBS URGED TO PARTICIPATE IN PHEASANT CHICK AND EGG PROGRAM
Sportsmen's organizations with approved propagation facilities can augment local ring-necked pheasant stockings and increase localized recreational hunting opportunities by raising day old pheasant chicks supplied free-of-charge by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Applications to participate can be downloaded from the agency's website (
www.pgc.state.pa.us), by clicking on "Forms & Programs" and then selecting "Pheasant Chick & Egg Program." In order for Game Farm superintendents to plan and set hatches to accommodate requests, the Bureau of Wildlife Management must receive completed applications by March 31.
"To restore self-sustaining and huntable pheasant populations, the Game Commission is committed to creating Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas, as outlined in our pheasant management plan," said Calvin W. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director. "While we strive to create these areas, we continue to urge interested clubs to participate in our pheasant chick and egg programs, which provide wonderful opportunities to get young people involved in raising birds. In addition to learning about the food and habitat requirements of pheasants, they'll have the chance to see the chicks mature into adult game birds, and to help augment local pheasant populations and increase hunting opportunities."
RELEASE OF CAPTIVE GAME BIRDS APPROVED FOR SGLS
Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today signed an executive order to authorize hunters and dog trainers to release captive-raised/captive-bred ring-necked pheasants, bobwhite quail, chukar partridges and rock pigeons on State Game Lands for hunting or dog-training purposes.
Under the executive order, such releases could be done by licensed hunters or those possessing a valid dog trial permit. Exceptions to the order are during the month of October, unless the activity is done with a valid dog trial permit, when such releases will be prohibited.
Roe noted that hunters must abide by established bag limits if birds are released during established seasons for pheasants or quail, unless the activity is being conducted as part of a permitted field dog trial. Outside of the established seasons for pheasants and quail, only individuals who possess a dog training permit may release them.
For more information, please visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission - State Wildlife Management Agency website:
http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=11&Q=175654