The "Collateral Damages" of Pheasant Stocking

	©Corbis
	Other birds can pay the price for pheasant stocking, too.

Pheasants aren't the only animals to suffer for the sake of pheasant shooters.

Pheasants are not native to the United States and tend not to survive in our natural habitats when released. Consequently, in some pheasant stocking areas, native predators are killed in a misguided effort to promote pheasant survival.

Depredation Permits

Migratory birds, including birds of prey, are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Under this law, anyone wishing to kill a raptor must apply for a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Rather than protecting migratory birds except for truly compelling reasons, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issues permits to pheasant farms to trap and kill federally protected birds of prey who might snatch up a valuable pheasant.

Thus, pheasant breeders shoot, trap, relocate and harass federally protected birds of prey, all for the sake of a pheasant who will be killed by a hunter or raptor immediately upon release.

Related Links

Pheasant Stocking

Rearing Pheasants

Releasing Pheasants

States with Pheasant Stocking Programs

Tower Shoots

Flying in the Face of Ethics

Pheasant Preserves: Flushing Fair Chase Out

Pheasant Stocking Report 2007