I am currently raising pheasants right now and what I haveare bluewings. Here it is OK to raise them and release them without a permit. Without a permit makes itso that you can only shoot them during regular upland bird season. Some parts of the state here require a pheasant stamp before hunting. But, not in this area and the state used to release them here. They did not survive as there was no habitat for them and when someone sees a pheasants it gets shot regardless of the season. When getting pheasants or eggs here the farm they came from must be tested for a number of diseases so as not to bring them into the state. I have noticed that the manchurian pheasants appear to be alot wilder then the bluewing which is what I am currently trying to get. The pheasants I currently have roost in the pen at four to six feet off the groung at night and I currently have a fox trying to get at them. So they know what a fox is and will take to the air rather quickly. AlsoI think some of your questions can be answered at habitatnow if you was to check out the seeds for growing stuff for habitats. Quail here have a very low survial rate so not much help there for you. Also as others have suggested check your local state laws before hand and good luck. Here is a photo of a Hen and Rooster I currently have in a pen.