New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced that DEC is accepting applications for sponsored pheasant hunts. Sponsored hunts are free, non-competitive events coordinated by a group, club, individual, or organization to benefit youth, women, first-time hunters, veterans, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. 

“DEC’s sponsored pheasant hunts provide a unique opportunity for beginners to learn about hunting in an instructional and supervised setting, which helps novice hunters grow the skills learned in their required hunter education course,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “These mentored opportunities are also a great way to interest people in hunting and help them connect to the outdoors.”

As part of the program, DEC will distribute up to 6,000 mature pheasants to sponsoring organizations across New York State. The program provides hunt organizers up to two pheasants to be released per hunt participant, at no charge. Applications to host a sponsored hunt will be accepted until Sept. 1. Requests are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Program details and hosting requirements are available for download on DEC’s website. Organizations and individuals interested in hosting a sponsored pheasant hunt can apply online by visiting the Learn to Hunt page and clicking on the application link. 

Individuals interested in participating in a sponsored pheasant hunt or other mentored hunting opportunities can find and register for events in their area on the Mentored Hunting Opportunities page. Mentored and sponsored hunts are added weekly, especially during the late summer, so interested parties should check back frequently.

For additional information, questions about eligibility, or help locating a sponsored pheasant hunt near you, contact Reynolds Game Farm at (607) 273-2768 or Wildlife@dec.ny.gov (subject: Sponsored Pheasant Hunt).