And whether that's feasible or not, is really problematic. Pruss is more optimistic. In other areas, landowners have banded together to help develop pheasant habitat. Hay fields can be mowed in August, allowing chicks time to leave the nest. Corn and other crops can be left in the fields or fruits planted to help pheasant make it through the winter.
Birdfeeders also can help pheasants survive.
But the first step in considering a Maine restoration project, he said, would be to survey the habitat available and the current population of pheasants surviving in the wild. You're kind of doing an analysis of what you have and what you need to get birds established. Once a plan is made and priorities established, it's time to raise money to reach the goals. All the funds raised are used locally, Pruss said. The cost of improving habitat varies widely, depending on the needs.