DEC Accepting Applications for Sponsored Pheasant Hunt Program

Applications due September 1st

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today that the application period for DEC’s sponsored pheasant hunts is now open. Applications to participate in the program are due September 1, 2018. The program enables interest groups to obtain pheasants for use in sponsored hunts involving youth, women, novices, veterans, and people with disabilities.

In addition to raising 30,000 adult pheasants for DEC’s pheasant stocking program, staff at DEC’s Reynolds Game Farm in Ithaca raise an additional 2,000 pheasants annually to be used in sponsored hunts across New York State.

“Through the dedication of local hunters and conservation organizations who sponsor these events, people new to hunting can experience pheasant hunting in a controlled setting with the assistance of mentors,” Commissioner Seggos said. “I appreciate the dedication of experienced volunteer hunters who donate their time to share their experience and love of the outdoors with others.”

Through their participation, volunteers teach novice hunters important messages about hunting safety, hunting ethics, and the fine tradition of pheasant hunting in New York State. This program helps provide a memorable experience for people to begin a lifelong pursuit of hunting and outdoor recreation.

The success of the sponsored pheasant hunt program depends on the hard work of willing volunteers. If you’d like to participate, program requirements and an application to host a sponsored pheasant hunt can be found on DEC’s website or by contacting one of the DEC regional wildlife offices listed below. Applications must be received by the appropriate wildlife office no later than Sept. 1. Successful applicants will be notified by phone and will be responsible for making arrangements with the Reynolds Game Farm to coordinate a time, date, and location to pick up the pheasants.

Through the purchase of sporting licenses, arms and ammunition, and trip-related expenditures, New York’s nearly 600,000 licensed hunters contribute an estimated $1.5 billion to the state’s economy each year.

DEC Regional Wildlife Offices:

R1 – Nassau and Suffolk counties:
SUNY at Stony Brook
50 Circle Road
Stony Brook, NY 11790
(631) 444-0310

R3 – Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties:
21 South Putt Corners Rd.
New Paltz, NY 12561
(845) 256-3098

R4 – Albany, Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Montgomery, Otsego, Rensselaer, Schenectady and Schoharie counties:
65561 State Hwy 10, Suite 1
Stamford, NY 12167
(607) 652-7367

R5 – Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties:
1115 Route 86, PO Box 296
Ray Brook, NY 12977
(518) 897-1291

R6 – Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida and St. Lawrence counties:
317 Washington Street
Watertown, NY 13601
315-785-2263

R7 – Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego, Tioga and Tompkins counties:
1285 Fisher Ave.
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 753-3095 x 247

R8 – Chemung, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne and Yates counties:
6274 East Avon-Lima Rd.
Avon, NY 14414
(585) 226-5380

R9 – Allegany, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie, Niagara and Wyoming counties:
182 East Union, Suite 3
Allegany, NY 14706-1328
(716) 372-0645