Farm chemicals can be detrimental to pheasants because they are so closely tied to agriculture. Heavy use of herbicides can limit cover of weeds, and can also be detrimental to shelterbelts. Pesticides should only be used when necessary and extreme care should be taken to minimize use during nesting and brooding periods. Always read and follow label directions carefully when using farm chemicals. Pheasants can damage crops like tomatoes, melons, and seedling corn.
Pheasants damage seedling corm by pulling up the plants, possibly to get the corn seed.
The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks maintains the Upland Game Bird Habitat Enhancement Program. As a part of this program, landowners can develop cooperative habitat projects with the Department to provide cost sharing for shelterbelts, winter food plots, nesting cover, range management improvements and wetland restoration. For more information on this program, contact a Regional office of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Summary Pheasant habitat should be planted in such a manner that it will lure nesting pheasants from alfalfa and small grain fields, and provide brooding and winter habitat. Acres that are to be planted to permanent cover should be seeded with a mixture of grasses and legumes that are suited to the area and climate.