DEC: 2023 Pheasant season will proceed as planned, despite loss of flock at Reynolds Game Farm

Despite losing a flock earlier this year, the New York State DEC says the 2023 Fall Pheasant hunting season will proceed as planned.

"Pheasant hunting serves as an introduction to hunting for many New York hunters," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos.

"DEC was devastated by the loss of the State's breeder flock this spring and is grateful to be able to offer the pheasant program this fall and beyond."

A highly contagious and deadly avian flu broke out at a game farm earlier this year, the DEC says.

New York does not have sufficient habitat quantity on a large landscape scale needed to support a wild, self-sustaining pheasant population, so the chance to harvest pheasants on publicly accessible lands relies on DEC's pheasant propagation program.

Pheasant hunting provides excellent opportunities to engage new hunters of all ages and to re-engage people who no longer hunt.

For more, check out the DEC’s website.

Images via the New York State DEC.