The ring-necked pheasant is a species of upland game bird native to Asia. Locally referred to as ringnecks, roosters and ditch parrots, the bird has been introduced in the United States as well as Europe and New Zealand. Huntable pheasant populations can be found in Oklahoma, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, California, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, and many other states.
Pheasants require weedy fence rows, ditch banks or brushy woods for escape cover.
Pheasant populations struggled in the U.S. during the 1960's and 1970's due to a lack of required cover as a result of agricultural practices. CRP involves the planting of vast acres of native grasses by farmers in agricultural areas. CRP benefits many species of wildlife including upland birds, waterfowl and deer. Pheasants Forever have succeeded in ensuring the program's success, at least in the short term. Many hunting strategies are successful for pheasant and both pointing dogs and flushing dogs are widely used.