Pheasants are beautiful gamebirds that have been hunted and raised for food and sport for centuries. But with the costs of habitat management, stocking, feeding, and care, many landowners wonder if raising pheasants is worth the investment. Here we’ll look at the pros and cons to help you decide if pheasants are right for your property.
Quick Facts About Pheasants
- Pheasants are large, long-tailed gamebirds native to Asia but introduced around the world as game birds.
- The common ring-necked pheasant is the most widespread and popular species raised for hunting.
- Pheasants prefer open grasslands and meadows with brushy cover.
- They eat seeds, grains, berries, insects, and greens.
- Pheasant hunting season takes place in fall and winter.
- The daily limit per hunter is typically 2-3 birds.
The Pros of Raising Pheasants
Here are some of the benefits that make pheasant rearing worthwhile for many landowners:
Recreational Hunting Opportunities
Pheasant hunting is a tradition cherished by many hunters. The excitement of watching these large, colorful birds flush in open fields keeps hunters coming back year after year. Providing pheasant hunting opportunities brings enjoyment for hunters, preserves tradition and heritage, and can enhance your property’s reputation.
Revenue from Hunting Leases
Leasing your land for pheasant hunting can provide significant income. Pheasant leases typically cost $15-$30 per bird harvested. With conservative stocking of just 200 birds, and 40% harvested, that could mean $1,200-$2,400 of revenue from a preserve lease. This income can offset habitat management and stocking costs.
Valuable Habitat Creation
Pheasants thrive in lands with habitat diversity. Developing pheasant habitat like meadows, brushy cover, field buffers, and wetlands improves ecosystem health and supports many wildlife species beyond just pheasants.
Enhanced Soil and Water Quality
Strategic habitat management provides environmental benefits. Native meadow plants and grass waterways prevent soil erosion. Diverse prairie plantings sequester carbon. Vegetative buffers protect streams. Many conservation programs provide financial incentives for enhancing habitat.
Local Economic Boost
Pheasant hunting helps support regional economies. Hunter expenditures on travel, licenses, guns, ammo, lodging, and more generates millions in revenue annually. Preserve owners may also make additional income providing services like lodging.
The Cons of Raising Pheasants
While rewarding, pheasant rearing also comes with challenges to consider:
Habitat Development Costs
Creating top-quality pheasant habitat requires investment. Establishing native meadows, converting cropland to grasses, installing fence rows and brush strips, and more comes at a price. Government programs can offset 30-90% of costs, but significant expense may remain.
Stocking Expenses
Day-old pheasant chicks cost $2-$4 each. With a stocking rate of at least 100-200 birds per 40 acres, upfront costs run $2,000-$8,000 annually. Fortunately, profits from preserve leases can offset these expenses.
Resource Demands
Intensive inputs of time, labor, equipment, and supplies are essential. Daily tending requires early mornings and long hours during summer and fall. Lack of manpower can jeopardize success. Hiring part-time help may be necessary.
Predation Losses
Raising pheasants in a semi-natural environment makes birds vulnerable to predators like foxes, raccoons, skunks, and raptors. Annual losses may range from 30-70%. Vigilance and preventative measures are critical.
Disease Risks
Dense bird concentrations increase risks of outbreaks. Key diseases like avian cholera must be prevented with sanitation, vaccines, and medications. An experienced veterinarian should monitor flocks.
Regulations
Navigating the legalities around propagation, stocking, and hunting involves permits and procedures. Stay current on state DNR rules for licensing, management, and hunting to avoid violations.
Financial Considerations
Let’s break down sample costs and revenues from a hypothetical 100-acre preserve preparing for a 25-gun hunt club:
Habitat Development
Expense | Cost |
Convert 10 acres of cropland to grassland | $500 |
Plant 5 acres of native prairie buffer | $1,000 |
Install brush strips | $250 |
Seed 10 acres of food plots | $300 |
Establish 6 upland ponds | $3,000 |
Build 3 nesting structures | $150 |
Total Habitat Cost | $5,200 |
Pheasant Stocking
Item | Amount | Cost |
Day-old chicks | 300 | $1,200 |
Brooder supplies | One-time | $350 |
Game bird feed | 1 ton | $1,200 |
Grit | 200 lbs | $40 |
Medications & vaccines | $250 | |
Total Stocking Cost | $3,040 |
Labor
Time Commitment | Wage | Total |
15 hours/week, 12 weeks | $12/hour | $2,160 |
Part-time assistant, 25 days | $80/day | $2,000 |
Total Labor Cost | $4,160 |
Total Upfront Costs: $12,400
Revenue
Source | Amount |
25 hunters x $20 per bird bagged x 20 birds (40% of stock) | $10,000 |
Government habitat payment | $4,000 |
Total Revenue | $14,000 |
Net Profit: $1,600
This basic model shows how a properly managed pheasant preserve can generate positive returns on investment through hunt club leases even after expenses. Note that with a larger membership, expanded habitat, and more stocked birds, net revenues could be increased further. Grants and cost-sharing programs also help improve the bottom line.
Best Practices for Maximizing Success
Follow these tips to give your pheasant-raising venture the best chances of prosperity:
Develop Extensive Habitat
Pheasants need a diverse landscape with a 50/50 mix of grassy and brushy cover. Blend native warm and cool season grasses, forbs, legumes, brush piles, field buffers, wetlands, and cropland.
Prevent Predation and Disease
Use predator deterrents, night enclosures, and regularly monitoring to minimize losses. Isolate new birds, disinfect facilities, and vaccinate to prevent disease issues.
Supplement Food and Water
Provide ample grain feed, grit, and fresh water every day, especially in winter. Distribute feeders and waterers widely to disperse birds naturally.
Work with a Wildlife Biologist
Consult an experienced wildlife management professional to design the best habitat, stocking, and hunting plans for your property’s specific ecology.
Advertise Availability
Market your hunting lease opportunities through regional forums, local clubs, and outdoor shows. Provide lodging and meals to make your preserve a destination.
Follow Regulations
Stay compliant on permits, licenses, tag requirements, stocking timelines, hunting seasons, and bag limits. Seek technical guidance from state wildlife agencies.
Conclusion
Raising pheasants requires substantial investment and effort, but bringing these beautiful birds back to the landscape provides both economic and recreational rewards. For avid hunters and wildlife enthusiasts, the experiences and memories made afield chasing these challenging gamebirds makes the hard work and costs worthwhile. Following best practices for habitat, stocking, and marketing can lead to success.
If you have adequate time and acreage available, implementing an intensive pheasant management plan can be profitable. The infrastructure and equipment needed for propagating birds at scale also enables expanding into other opportunity like raising mallards, chukars, or quail when pheasant season closes. Ultimately, the feat of successful pheasant rearing results not just in full bag limits, but fuller lives connected to the land and outdoors.