The application period for the cooperative Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program to help hunters has opened.

The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation partners with sportsmen and sportswomen, 4-H youth groups, and landowners interested in rearing and releasing pheasants. The program is funded through the State Conservation Fund, which is supported by license fees paid by hunters, trappers, and anglers.

The program began in the early 1900s, when pheasant eggs and chicks were distributed to farmers and rural youth. Today, day-old chicks are available at no cost to participants who are able to provide a brooding facility, a covered outdoor rearing pen, and an adequate release site.

Daily care is necessary to monitor the health of the birds and to ensure there is adequate feed and water for the rapidly growing chicks. The pheasants may be released when they are eight weeks old and no later than Dec. 1.

Approved applicants will receive the day-old chicks in April, May, or June. All release sites must be approved in advance by the DEC and must be open for public pheasant hunting opportunities.

In 2016, the DEC distributed more than 34,000 day-old pheasant chicks to qualified applicants. Albany County residents interested in this program should contact the DEC regional wildlife office by mail at 65561 State Highway 10, Suite 1, Stamford, NY 12167 or y phone at (607) 652-7367 for applications and additional information.

Applications must be filed with a DEC regional wildlife manager by March 25. A “Pheasant Rearing Guide” and applications are also available on DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7271.html.