Looking for information on owning Pheasants in Maine.

[MysteryChicken]

Hello, would like to know how many of you live in Maine, & own Pheasants. There's lots of confusing information. Some places state you need a permit to own them, other places say you just need a Health Certificate(NPIP). So it basically means you need to get a copy of the NPIP certificate with the birds.

Also the pheasants must be in subfamily: Phasianinae.

I'm looking to get Ring Necked Pheasants, & some Ornamental one's sometime in the future.

Only if someone will help make things more clear, & make more sense, it would be greatly appreciated?

 

[MysteryChicken]

Bump!
Just making sure it was seen.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Also the pheasants must be in subfamily: Phasianinae.

To start with, I do not live in Maine or own pheasants.

As far as I can tell, they USED to require a propagation permit but no longer do.

From the Maine department of inland fisheries and wildlife is a list of unrestricted species in the following link. Pheasants being a ways down the list.. Page 11, and does indicate that a health certificate is required IF importing from out of state.. There is a statement at the top of that page.

https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/unrestrictedspecies.pdf

I'd say.. if all else fails with regards to clarification, consider contacting them directly and ask your questions..

https://www.maine.gov/ifw/about/contact/index.html

Is this helpful?

 

[MysteryChicken]

To start with, I do not live in Maine or own pheasants.

As far as I can tell, they USED to require a propagation permit but no longer do.

From the Maine department of inland fisheries and wildlife is a list of unrestricted species in the following link. Pheasants being a ways down the list.. Page 11, and does indicate that a health certificate is required IF importing from out of state.. There is a statement at the top of that page.

https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/unrestrictedspecies.pdf

I'd say.. if all else fails with regards to clarification, consider contacting them directly and ask your questions..

https://www.maine.gov/ifw/about/contact/index.html

Is this helpful?

Okay, so the confusion is just because of outdated stuff still in circulation? The unrestricted list is from 2017, so I'm totally sure if the regulations are still going by it, or not.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Okay, there is no 2025 updated version, so I guess it still applies, which seems like good news.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

I think your best bet would probably be to contact someone like the previous poster suggested. Websites are usually confusing, so actually talking with someone who knows the laws would be best. You might also want to check in within your town, as towns could have different laws as well. Where would you be getting them? If you know of a local breeder, then they might be able to tell you as. Grey Animal Farm is someone else you might be able to ask.

These might be helpful:

https://www.mainelegislature.org/le...ear game bird,holds for newly possessed birds.
See 3. Issuance, E. and F.

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/...nd-possession-permits-and-requirements#s12158
See § 12158 Importation permit for pheasants.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I think your best bet would probably be to contact someone like the previous poster suggested. Websites are usually confusing, so actually talking with someone who knows the laws would be best. You might also want to check in within your town, as towns could have different laws as well. Where would you be getting them? If you know of a local breeder, then they might be able to tell you as. Grey Animal Farm is someone else you might be able to ask.

These might be helpful:

https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/bills_128th/billtexts/HP108701.asp#:~:text=A one-year game bird,holds for newly possessed birds.
See 3. Issuance, E. and F.

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/...nd-possession-permits-and-requirements#s12158
See § 12158 Importation permit for pheasants.

The last link says Repealed Laws.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I think your best bet would probably be to contact someone like the previous poster suggested. Websites are usually confusing, so actually talking with someone who knows the laws would be best. You might also want to check in within your town, as towns could have different laws as well. Where would you be getting them? If you know of a local breeder, then they might be able to tell you as. Grey Animal Farm is someone else you might be able to ask.

These might be helpful:

https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/bills_128th/billtexts/HP108701.asp#:~:text=A one-year game bird,holds for newly possessed birds.
See 3. Issuance, E. and F.

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/...nd-possession-permits-and-requirements#s12158
See § 12158 Importation permit for pheasants.

I was looking at hatcheries for Ring Necked Pheasants. They send a NPIP Certificate with every order, so that's hassle free mostly.

I'm in Bingham which a small place in the middle of nowhere, except town's not super far away.