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December 13, 2000

DIVISION TO STOCK 2,000 ADDITIONAL PHEASANTS

For more information contact:
Ray Porutski at 609-259-2132

According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife, approximately 2,000 additional pheasants will be available for stocking on designated Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) throughout the state on December 22, 27 and 29, 2000. As a result, the existing stocking schedule will be adjusted to include these extra birds which will be distributed evenly on 25 WMAs over the course of the three days which are the last three regularly scheduled stocking dates of the season.

"These December dates were chosen to benefit the many hunters who enjoy taking their vacations just prior to the New Year," said Division Director Bob McDowell.

The birds were raised at the Division's Rockport Pheasant Farm in Hackettstown, Warren County. The additional birds are the direct result of increased survival rates due to recently modernized facilities with improved pen construction, larger enclosures and an excellent growth of supplemental food crops such as sorghum and sunflowers which also help to provide protection from the elements. The game farm currently oversees the operations on 33 one-acre pens with more scheduled for construction over the next few years.

In December of 1999 the fee for a pheasant/quail stamp was increased from $22 to $40 with free stamps issued to qualified disabled veterans and all youths under the age of 16. Though the purchase of pheasant/quail stamps decreased from 18,285 in 1998 to 15,405 in 1999, the decline can be positively translated into more birds for fewer hunters and a quality hunting experience for those who choose to participate.

"Considering last year's price increase for a pheasant/quail stamp, the Division is pleased to be able to provide 2,000 additional birds to stamp buyers. We will be exploring the potential to provide even more pheasants in the next few years," said Division Director Bob McDowell.

The stocking schedule consists of the following WMAs: Flatbrook, Whittingham, Walpack, Black River, Berkshire Valley, Clinton, Pequest, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Colliers Mills, Howardsville, Fort Dix, Manahawkin, Stafford Forge, Medford, Assunpink, Manasquan, Glassboro, Dix, Mad Horse, Millville, Nantuxent, Port Republic, Tuckahoe, Winslow and Heislerville.