The Pennsylvania Game Bird Industry

Today in the state of Pennsylvania millions of game birds are produced annually by professional game breeders. These are private businesses that sell mostly to regulated hunting grounds and individuals or organizations interested in restocking birds into the wild. Some dressed birds are also sold to individuals and the gourmet food markets.

Licensed Propagators

Under the laws of Pennsylvania, the game bird industry in the state is licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Private breeders do not produce birds for the Pennsylvania Game Commission; the Commission operates their own game farms as well.

The Shooting Preserve Industry

The Pennsylvania Game Commission will license either noncommercial or commercial regulated hunting grounds for a fee if the applicant meets certain requirements. He or she must have 100 acres of land available for the purpose. It must be clearly posted. All birds released and harvested must be documented. The permit allows the release and harvesting of pheasants, quail, chukars, hungarians, and mallards from September through April. The commercial permit allows the operators to charge for hunting. Applications for these permits are available from your local Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Birds Produced in Pennsylvania

• Ringneck Pheasant
• Chukar Partridge
• Quail
• Hungarian Partridge
• Mallards
• Ornamental pheasants are often raised on game farms for bird fanciers, zoos, collectors, and feather merchants.