Our Pheasants | Gisi Pheasant Farms (2024)

FAQs

Why are pheasants declining? ›

Agricultural regions across North America have recently experienced rapid declines in bird diversity and abundance attributed to three factors: agricultural intensification, increased pesticide use and greater susceptibility to predation from habitat change. The ring-necked pheasant is no exception.

People often ask me what happened to all the pheasants. As always, the destruction of habitat is a major factor: Most of the grass-filled ditches where pheasants once nested have been eliminated. Some farming practices have resulted in nests and young birds being crushed under heavy machinery.

As a farmer you can sell their eggs and meat for passive income since they are nutritious. You too can raise large, healthy, profit-paying pheasants, if you will merely meet certain clearly defined pheasant requirements.

With rolling hills and endless prairies, South Dakota is home to the best pheasant hunting in the country. With abundant public land hunting opportunities, pheasant hunters have access to some of the greatest spots to chase birds and work their dogs.

About 40% were killed by predators during the six-month study period, almost all by foxes—and the pheasants were far more likely to die toward the edge of their range.

Experience why South Dakota is home to the greatest pheasant hunting. The greatest number of birds in the nation and the best fields — with plenty of public access — make for the greatest traditions and memories you could ever find.

MacFarlane Pheasant Farm is the largest pheasant farm in the country.

A group of pheasants is called a nest, nide (nye), or bouquet. Pheasants are hunted for sport and for meat. Because of their attractive plumage, some species of pheasant are kept as ornamental birds.

Pheasants cannibalize each other because they aren't used to be penned up and captive. Pheasants can be the orneriest creatures – and in captivity, the strong tend to pick on the weak.

Lifespan/Longevity

The average lifespan of the pheasant in the wild is 3 years, whereas anything between 11 and 18 in captivity.

Are pheasants worth raising for meat? ›

A white pheasant is important in meat production because of the pigmentation of their feathers. Darker plumage has darker pigmentation and can leave behind darker spots on the meat.

In contrast to wild pheasants, pen-reared pheasants apparently have relatively low survival rates (Krauss et al. 1987, Leif 1994); perhaps as low as 4% (Buss 1946, Dorr 1952). Pen- reared pheasants also appear to have lower reproductive success than wild pheasants (Hill and Robertson 1988, Leif 1994).

Redfield is a growing community in beautiful Northeast South Dakota. Our 100-year tradition of pheasant hunting earned the city the title "Pheasant Capital of the World®".

No other region compares to the wild pheasant numbers found in this part of South Dakota. This is why pheasant hunters flock to South Dakota. Buffalo Butte Ranch is a 6,000 acre privately owned and operated pheasant farm which has been in our family for five generations.

1. Pierre, South Dakota. This Missouri River town puts you in the heart of pheasant country, but the upland fun doesn't stop there. In 2011 (the last year numbers were available) approximately 30 roosters per square mile were harvested in Hughes County.

Data collected showed that contributing factors to the decline include changes in agricultural practices, growth of forested habitats in historic wetland and grassland environments, climate change and predation from increasing raven populations.

Pheasant hunters often miss because they rush the shot. But the most common culprits, according to Grossman, are lack of concentration and overconfidence.

Pheasant – Intense drought conditions throughout 2022 reduced pheasant populations and the available nesting cover for 2023. Precipitation across most of the primary range this summer greatly improved habitat conditions for chicks.

The main predator is the red fox. Other predators, like birds of prey, can also cause danger to the birds. In addition, raised hens have smaller home ranges (the area in which the animals live). Both sexes move shorter distances during spring dispersion and have weaker adaptation to the environment.