DEC Accepting Applications for Sponsored Pheasant Hunt Program |
Applications due September 1stNew 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: R3 – Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties: R4 – Albany, Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Montgomery, Otsego, Rensselaer, Schenectady and Schoharie counties: R5 – Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties: R6 – Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida and St. Lawrence counties: R7 – Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego, Tioga and Tompkins counties: R8 – Chemung, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne and Yates counties: R9 – Allegany, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie, Niagara and Wyoming counties: |