Dear CCE Environmental/4H Educators and program coordinators;
In light of an outbreak of Avian Influenza at the Reynolds Game Farm in spring of 2023 that temporarily paused the production and availability of chicks for the Day Old Pheasant Chick Program (DOCP) we are happy to announce that the program will once again be offered for the spring of 2024. To meet production needs we will be purchasing eggs that will be incubated at the Reynolds Game Farm and chicks will again be available to approved applicants!
County CCE cooperation and promotion of this program is on a voluntary basis but the value that 4H youth can get through animal husbandry and environmental projects will have effects that last a lifetime. I ask that you help to make sure that 4H youth and clubs in your county are aware of the program. The DOCP has a rich history and tradition with 4H involvement that we hope will continue for years to come.
Youth can incorporate the raising of pheasants into many different independent or club projects, and are available to those that can provide proper release site and rearing conditions. Environmental education is easily integrated into raise and release projects through education of the Ring-neck pheasants history in NY and the habitat loss that has led to its and many other species declines. Educational and informational displays at county fairs is another great project for them to get involved with. Youth, club leaders or office 4H educators are encouraged to reach out to the Reynolds Game Farm for help with project ideas, questions, or assistance with applications or release sites.
Please have any interested 4H’rs or club leaders apply online at http://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/small-game/pheasant . Link for the application will be in the paragraph towards the bottom of the page detailing the program. All applications must be submitted by March 25th. If contacted by the general public about the program please direct them to either the online application or the Reynolds Game Farm.
Staff at Reynolds Game Farm will reach out to applicants if there are any questions and to let them know if their application has been reviewed. CCE Educators/4H coordinators will be provided a summary of county participation and notified of delivery specifics including the availability of having your office take part in the distribution of chicks on day of arrival.
If your location is interested in having one of our staff members do an in-person workshop detailing the program and pheasant rearing techniques please contact us for availability.
Please feel free to reach out to me at evan.wills@dec.ny.gov or by calling (607)273-2768 with any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Evan Wills
Wildlife Biologist, Facility Manager
NYSDEC Reynolds Game Farm
81 Game Farm Rd
Ithaca NY 14850
Comments