Basic Guide to Game Bird Production
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When you think about people who raise birds, either commercially or in their backyards, you traditionally think of chickens. However, there is a market and industry for game birds like ducks, quail, pheasants, partridges, and more. The term game bird refers to any species of bird that can be used for hunting; however, we will only be discussing those species which are captive, and reared for release.
The industry grew out of a need to improve the declining wild populations of these birds, reducing the opportunities for successful harvesting of wild game on rural lands. Many factors caused this decline, including changing agricultural practices that caused a lack of habitat and cover for native species. Game bird production is used to supplement wild populations while hunting preserves increase opportunities to harvest game birds successfully.
Game birds are divided into two main groups - Upland Game Birds and Waterfowl.
Upland Game Birds
Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
Also known as the ring-neck pheasant, this bird was brought to North America as early as the 1700s.
Partridge
Species include: Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar, pictured), Red-Legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) & Grey/Hungarian Partridge (Perdix perdix)
Northern Bobwhite Quail (Colinus virginianus)
These birds are native to the USA, Mexico & the Caribbean.
Waterfowl
Mallard Duck (Anas platyrhynchos)
Found throughout North America & Eurasia & introduced almost everywhere else.
Types of Game Bird Farms
The game bird industry consists of two primary sections: production farms and hunting preserves. Game birds are produced in almost every state in the US, however, certain locations produce more of certain species of game birds. Most Bobwhite Quail are grown in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi. Top pheasant-producing states include Minnesota, Kansas, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Mallard ducks are produced primarily along the United States coastal areas, with large releases found in the mid-Atlantic and southern states.
Most game birds are grown for eventual release onto regulated hunting preserves. Some are released onto public lands, while a few are sold to restaurants, food retail outlets, and live bird markets.
Commercial Full-Time Production Operations
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Most produce 20,000-300,000 birds annually, with a few having even more
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These operations are few
Hobby or Part-Time Commercial Operations
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Most produce anywhere from 100-15,000 birds annually
Public Hunting Preserves
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Approximately 80% of preserves are open to the public
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Operate on set hours & anyone can show up with a license & pay for the opportunity to harvest a game bird
Private Hunting Preserves
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Requires an approved membership before being allowed the opportunity to hunt
Explore More About Game Birds
Check out our blog on Raising Game Birds
Find supplies and equipment for your game bird flock
Do you have any interesting facts or tips about game birds? Leave us a comment below!
