Hunting pen raised pheasants- Question

pheasantfanatic · 07-17-2007, 05:23 PM

I am from Kansas and I had a friend tell me that if I bought pen raised pheasants and released them, I couldhunt them any time of the year if I was training my dog. I just gota dog, a 2 year old lab that is trained to hunt, but hasn't been worked in a while, and was wondering if that was legal to do that andget her back in shape before pheasant season. I don't want to do anything that is againstthe law, I was just wondering if that was legal or not.

gsp_birddog · 07-17-2007, 06:44 PM

You will want to check your state's regulations to get their rules.
In Illinois you can use pen raised birds for training if:

1. The area is permanantly and clearly marked as a dog training area.
2. Birds released are identified in some way as to distinguish them from a wild bird. Also, you must release them as you use them. Not release many birds and hunt them for many months to come out of season. How would you know which ones are wild and which ones are released as they are flying away? If your argument is that you don't have wild birds in the area, that will not fly with the DNR.
3. You submit an application for a dog training area with the DNR.

Hope that helps. Like I said, check your state DNR for their specific rules.

Phil from Maine · 07-17-2007, 08:16 PM

Here in Maine you can raise them and release them for dogtraining during the normal season provided you stick within the game laws without a permit. Or you can obtain a propagation permit and hunt 7 days a week with your friends as well. However the released birds need to have a band on them for this purpose..Also as stated above you will need to check the laws to make sure.

daleh · 07-18-2007, 09:37 PM

Training Permits are tough and the control is tough as well.
Make Sure You Check It Out Before You Even Apply.
No Gun No Problems
(enough said)

springerDIVA · 07-19-2007, 06:37 PM

I believe you have to get a training area permit, it's on the KS parks and wildlife site, they're usually good for a fixed amount of time. At least when we hold field trials and hunt tests (Springer Spaniel Club of Central Kansas) we have to get them.
If you can't get a definite answer send me PM with specific locations & I'll get you in touch with friends up that way.

Good luck!