Every fall, DEC stocks pheasants in multiple sites throughout the region. All pheasants distributed through DEC programs are released on land open to the public for pheasant hunting. One of the stockings from this month is pictured.
In the first photo, you can see ECO Lt. Gonyea helping a DEC communications team member hold a pheasant. Wearing blaze orange is of utmost importance when it comes to safety while recreating on huntable lands during hunting seasons.
In the next photo, Wildlife Technician Nate Jerstad is releasing two female pheasants.
In the third photo, two stunning male pheasants are flying into the field. As with other birds, the males are more colorful (to impress the females!).
Lastly, the final photo was taken during the two-day Youth Pheasant Hunt (which takes place on the last full weekend prior to regular fall pheasant hunting season in each area of upstate New York) to teach responsible hunting skills to the younger generations. DEC held a Women’s Pheasant Hunt this month, as well, to empower women hunters in a sport that has long been viewed as male-dominated. Hunting is for everyone.
For more information on pheasant hunting, check out the Pheasant Hunting webpage dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/small-game/pheasant on the DEC website.
