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SALT LAKE CITY — The Division of Wildlife Resources is looking for people willing to raise baby birds.
In mid-May, the DWR will be looking for homes for some 2,500 day-old pheasants. People who are interested in adopting the pheasants must be willing to raise the birds to adulthood and then release them into the wild as part of the agency’s Day-Old Pheasant Chick program.
DWR representative Dean Mitchell said raising a pheasant can be a rewarding activity for individuals and families.
“Raising a pheasant, from a chick to an adult, is a terrific activity that helps kids and adults understand some of the challenges wildlife face as they grow,” Mitchell said. “Raising a chick will be an experience you won’t soon forget.”
Before committing to raising a pheasant, however, Mitchell said people should be aware of the time and financial requirements for participation in the program. Participants must cover the cost of food, vaccinations and shelter for the birds.
Just before November, the birds will be released back into the wild.
“The pheasants will be released on state wildlife and waterfowl management areas, walk-in access areas and private land that provides access to public hunters,” Mitchell said.
The pheasants will be released prior to the fall pheasant hunt, Mitchell said. He advised those interested in adopting a bird to read the requirements listed at wildlife.utah.gov under the “adopt pheasant chicks” subhead.
“Before you enter the program,” Mitchell said, “please read this information. It will help you decide if the program is for you.”
Those interested in participating in the pheasant adoption program can call their nearest DWR office to request more information.
