Upland Game Bird 4-H Initiative

Ring-necked pheasants were first introduced into Alberta in 1908 by a group of recreational enthusiasts to provide enhanced upland hunting opportunities. Now, more than 100 years later, the tradition continues as we partner with stakeholders to improve the future of upland game bird hunting in Alberta. Changes in agricultural practices and the conversion of native prairie into cropland have dramatically modified the landscape to the point where native game birds are nearly eliminated from areas dedicated to cropland. Pheasants can adapt to areas predominately used for cropland, provided that certain habitat features are available.

In 2014, we initiated a new partnership with 4-H Alberta, offering clubs the opportunity to raise day-old chicks to adult birds. This year, we had 33 4-H members successfully raise approximately 2,000 pheasants (mostly hens), and either released them into suitable upland habitat or marketed them for sale.

In addition to the 4-H members, other interest groups including private landowners, Alberta Fish & Game Association, and Boy Scout groups also received the opportunity to purchase day-old chicks to raise. We did not record how many birds were successfully raised and released, or marketed for sale, as the growers were free to do what they wanted with their birds.

Partnerships

4-H Alberta, ConocoPhillips Canada, Government of Alberta, MacFarlane Pheasants, private donations

Annual Summaries

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