Applications to participate in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s cooperative Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program are being accepted.

This program enhances pheasant hunting opportunities through a partnership with DEC, sportsmen and sportswomen, 4-H youth, and landowners who are interested in rearing and releasing pheasants.

Applications must be filed with a DEC regional wildlife manager by March 15.

The program began in the early 1900s. In the early days, pheasant eggs and chicks were distributed to farmers and rural youth. Today, day-old 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.

Approved applicants will receive the day-old chicks in April, May, or June. All release sites must be approved in advance by DEC. No chicks obtained through the program can be released on private shooting preserves; all release sites must be open for public pheasant hunting opportunities.

In 2010, DEC distributed 51,267 day-old pheasant chicks to qualified 4-H and sportsmen applicants.

Interested individuals should contact the DEC regional office at 317 Washington St., Watertown, 785-2261.