I don't see how the gene pool could be deeper in MN. then in other states but maybe lol.
Well I have hunted SD pheasants all my life and now we also raise pheasants and many things come into play for a wild bird. Many game farms just release birds for your $ and really don't care about the bird. For a wild bird on opening of the season you must have certain items in place.
1. Birds should have been raised in very large flight pens.
2. Get them off the commercial feed as soon as you can.
3. genetics of the bird = some are good some are not
4. Stay out of the pens ! Use self feeders and waterers
5. Release the birds at around 8 weeks old
These are just a few of the things you need for developing a wild bird and if these are followed you will have a 24" tailed wild pheasant by hunting time.

curt nulle