WCPF CORN GIVEAWAY
WCPF Sponsors a corn giveaway as a supplement to naturally occurring grains and food plots in harsher than normal winters in the hope of carrying a few extra birds through the winter. However, we make every effort to stress that grassland habitat (nesting and brood rearing cover) is still the primary limiting factor facing pheasant populations in Minnesota and should be the focus of any pheasant management plan. In addition we provide the following guidance below if you choose to feed pheasants.
FEEDING PHEASANTS IN THE WINTER
During normal winters, with food plots and waste grain in crop stubble, feeding pheasants is usually not necessary. However, during severe winters some flocks can benefit from feeding if people have interest and do it properly.
If you scatter corn on the ground, start out with a small amount and add to it after the birds have found it. Dumping a pile of corn at the beginning is not only wasteful, but it may be buried by the snow and never found by the birds.
If possible, avoid feeding in areas where many deer are concentrated. If deer discover your feeding site, put out a smaller amount of corn each time but replenish the supply frequently. You may want to start another site in a different location and stop feeding at the first site when birds have found the new one.
Many pheasants die from exposure during and after severe winter storms when their cover is blown full of snow. Pheasants need adequate cover to survive harsh winters. This critical cover can be provided by tree plantings with cedar and evergreens and by preserving wetland areas of cane, cattails, and willow. The best way to provide food is with a planned and managed food plot every year. Cost sharing is available for food plots and woody cover plantings.
WRIGHT COUNTY PHEASANTS FOREVER CHAPTER #95
