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MDNR Report

Michigan Pheasant Hunting Initiative Brings Hunting Opportunities to AllMichigan Pheasant Hunting Initiative Brings Hunting Opportunities to All

Hunters flocked to public lands in southern Michigan this fall in pursuit of pheasant hunting opportunities made possible by the Michigan Pheasant Hunting Initiative.

An activity rooted in companionship, pheasant hunting has remained a legacy throughout Michigan's rich hunting heritage. However, as landscapes have changed and become more cultivated over time, wild pheasant habitat and populations have waned. Despite these limiting factors, the excitement surrounding pheasant hunting prevails. This year, a dedicated group of pheasant hunting enthusiasts banded together to bring opportunities back to Michigan hunters.

In 2018 the Michigan Pheasant Hunting Initiative, a grassroots coalition, advocated for legislation that would increase pheasant hunting and recruitment, retention and reactivation opportunities in the state. As a result of these efforts, the Michigan Legislature appropriated $260,000 from the General Fund for a pheasant release program during fall 2019 and 2020.

"Hunters have long enjoyed the opportunity to hunt pheasants in Michigan and we will continue to work with partners to keep this a lasting tradition," Al Stewart, Department of Natural Resources upland game bird specialist, said. "Pheasants are a game bird that everyone can enjoy pursuing in the fall. These beautiful birds are challenging yet rewarding to hunt and make for excellent table fare."

The Michigan Pheasant Hunting Initiative came to fruition when founder Ken Dalton brought forward his idea and a resolution to Michigan United Conservation Clubs and advocated for its passage at the organization's annual convention. Through the member-driven policy, MUCC was able to work with the Legislature to help appropriate the money for the 2019 and 2020 pilot program.

"I'm so pleased with all the dedicated work our partners have done to make this program successful," said Ken Dalton, president of the Michigan Pheasant Hunting Initiative coalition.

In partnership with the Michigan Association of Game Breeders, rooster pheasants were released weekly throughout the October and December hunting seasons on 11 state game areas across southeast and southwest Michigan. In addition to the releases, Learn to Hunt events were held at Allegan and Shiawassee River state game areas. Geared toward hunter recruitment, retention and reactivation, also known as R3, these events provided more than 80 participants a memorable day of mentorship and pheasant hunting.

Michigan Pheasant Hunting Initiative Brings Hunting Opportunities to AllMichigan Pheasant Hunting Initiative Brings Hunting Opportunities to All"The events recruited new hunters that had never been out before and reactivated those who hadn't hunted pheasants in over 40 years," Dennis Fox, DNR Recruitment and Retention manager, said.

New and novice hunters of all ages came out for a day of learning and fellowship. The Learn to Hunt events offered firearm safety courses, target practice and field-dressing lessons. Small groups of hunters were paired with a mentor, dog and dog handler before embarking on a guided hunt.

"MPHI truly represents the member-driven policy process that Michigan United Conservation Clubs is founded upon," Amy Trotter, MUCC executive director, said. Ideas like these that invoke R3 events are vital to helping sustain Michigan's conservation and outdoor heritage legacy.

To identify the number of pheasant and sharp-tailed grouse hunters in Michigan, hunters were required to obtain a free pheasant/sharp-tailed grouse endorsement on their hunting license this year. A DNR survey will be issued to a sample of these hunters, allowing them the opportunity to provide input about pheasant management and possible changes for the 2020 release strategy.