Fletcher Donald A. Pheasants

Ottawa: Agriculture Canada, 1991. — 38 p.Pheasants originated in the Orient and were limited to that part of the world until the Romans introduced them to Europe around 1250 B.C. and later to England. There are sixteen distinct groups, or genera, including the Junglefowl (ancestor of domestic poultry), Argus and Peafowl. All are found in Asia except one, which inhabits the Congo. There are approximately 170 different kinds (species and subspecies) in the sixteen genera. The English Ringneck, the most popular pheasant in Canada, is a result of crossing several species in England.
Pheasants were first brought to North America in 1790 by an Englishman, Benjamin Franklin's son-in-law, but the venture was unsuccessful. Later, in 1881, the United States Consul in Shanghai sent 28 Chinese pheasants to Oregon and this introduction met with success. With the importation of more breeding stock, the birds multiplied rapidly and by 1892 had found their way into Ontario. By 1910, they were so plentiful that a two-week open season was proclaimed.
In subsequent years, pheasants reached their greatest abundance recorded in the world on Pelee Island in Ontario, where they are still plentiful. Pheasants are also found on the Niagara Peninsula and in Essex County, and they range over the Erie and South Huron districts, around Lake Simcoe and along the northern shores of Lake Ontario to Prince Edward County. Releases have been made all over the province and the bird has survived south of a line from Owen Sound to Brockville. Pheasants have been introduced with some success into the southern parts of the Prairies and certain regions of Quebec.
There are many reasons for raising pheasants, but a few that must be considered are: hunting farms, meat production, breeder management, and hobbyists.
Hunting farms are locales where you are able to hunt for a fee. They have become quite popular in recent years following the loss of public hunting lands.
Farms committed to meat production are raising the birds for the restaurant trade and gourmet food industry.
Farms producing pheasants to supply hunting farms and meat production farms, municipal release programs, and individuals interested in growing the birds fit into the area of breeder supply operations.
A hobbyist is a person who keeps fewer than 25 birds, for pleasure only, and does not sell stock.