The application period is open until March 15 for the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s cooperative Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program.

The program enhances opportunities for pheasant hunting in New York through a partnership between DEC and the sporting community, 4-H youths, and landowners interested in rearing and releasing pheasants.

The Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program began in the early 1900s. In the early days of the program, pheasant eggs and chicks were distributed to farmers and rural youths via 4-H clubs. Today, day-old chicks are available at no cost to participants who are able to provide a brooding facility and covered outdoor rearing pen, and have identified an adequate release site.

Approved applicants will receive the day-old chicks in April, May or June. No chicks obtained through the Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program are permitted to be released on private shooting preserves. All release sites must be approved in advance by DEC and must be open to the public for pheasant hunting. The program is funded through the State Conservation Fund from license fees paid by hunters, trappers and anglers.

Participants must monitor the health of the birds daily to ensure there is adequate feed and water for the rapidly growing chicks. The pheasants may be released when they are eight weeks old and no later than Dec. 1.

Individuals in our area interested in these programs should contact the DEC’s Watertown regional office at 785-2261 for applications and additional information.

In 2011, DEC distributed 46,496 day-old pheasant chicks to qualified applicants.