Rule Allowing Pheasant Stocking Begins July 1
Source: http://www.iowadnr.gov
Published: Jun. 30, 2010
A new rule will begin on July 1, allowing individuals to release pen reared Chinese ring-necked pheasants on their own land from hatcheries approved by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The law does not allow for the release of pen reared pheasants on land not owned or rented by the person releasing the birds.
The law was approved by the Iowa Legislature during the 2010 session in response to record low pheasant numbers.
"Research shows that pen raised birds have a history of poor survival so it is important to put these birds where there is good habitat available to give them a chance," said Dale Garner, chief of the DNR's Wildlife Bureau. "The state released birds years ago into vacant habitat and although our numbers are low now, we still have wild birds in all 99 counties and they will repopulate if there is good weather and good habitat. Unfortunately, right now, we don't have either."
Garner said there are a few things to keep in mind when looking for birds to stock. First, only get birds that are healthy from an approved hatchery. "We want to make sure that the birds being stocked are free from disease and we don't want birds with poor genetics to breed with wild birds," Garner said.
Approved hatcheries in Iowa are Hoovers Hatchery, Inc., in Rudd, Murray McMurray Hatchery, Inc., in Webster City, and Malloy Gamebirds, in State Center.
"Putting good quality habitat on the ground will do more down the road for the future of pheasant hunting. We have been losing habitat at an alarming rate which has concentrated the pheasants in marginal areas like ditches and near streams, which are prone to spring flooding right during the nesting season. If people really want pheasants, putting more land in high quality CRP would be a good place to start," Garner said.
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