Raising upland birds Is there a program available to individuals wanting to raise upland birds for release in the general area that they have been raised. For example, in my area Fraiser Weippe?
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game does not have a program for raising and releasing upland game birds. In fact, studies have shown that on average, only 60% of released pheasants survive the initial week of release. After one month, roughly 25% will remain. Over-winter survival seldom exceeds 5% of birds released. As a result, we recommend improving habitat instead of trying to supplement the population through stocking. The Department has a Habitat Improvement Program (HIP) that is available for cost-sharing habitat improvements on private land. To learn more about this program, please see the following link: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/wildlife/?getPage=222. If you would still like to raise and release upland game birds for release, you need to obtain eggs or chicks from a National Poultry Improvement Plan certified provider. You will also need to obtain a Wildlife Release Permit from your local Regional Office.