Pheasants/Chukar for hunting/farm releases? Who's done it?

[fowlsessed]

If producing some birds for hunting/farm releases would I have to produce tons of them or do you think small, very small, scale would be successful? Just wondering, thanks.
I'd like to hear the experience of anyone who's done it?

 

[Tony K T]

I've never done it.I guess it would depend on your area.Is there enough brush cover and natural feed in the area to keep them around?Are there lots of predators in the area that will chase them off.Most states require a permit to releash also,so you may need to check with your local F&G dept.You also need a permit to raise them.
In N.H.,Tony.

 

[drowe005]

However many you plan on having there, expect at least half to be killed off/ die the first season. Call back cages are the way to go, with automatic feeders and waterers on timers so you never have to go around them from the first couple days on. After X amount of days, the door will open and allow them to go and come as they please, and shortly thereafter, they'll never need to come back in the cage. The biggest thing is making sure that you have NO contact with them, you want them to be afraid of you (aka predators in general).
I live in Virginia and know someone who released Chukars on their land for dog trials 7 years ago, and just saw some on his property still a couple weeks ago, so theydefinitely established themselves there.
Im not sure how releasing the pheasants are, but I'm sure it can be done in a similar fashion. Bobwhites work great for call back cages and can establish themselves really well.