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I am wondering how many of the members are actual licensed by their stateDNR/DEC to even have the birds that they are holding in their possession, or the penalties that can be awarded to them if they get caught harboring wild game birds.Most states require 2 or 3 different classification of licenses. One to own for your own consumption, one to own and release, and the third for, own, release, and the sale of wild game birds and eggs.What about all the paper work? I am willing to bet all these newcomers don’t even realize the paperwork and paper trail involved with the game bird business/hobby aspect. Forms to file if you, release into the wild, sell, eat, or die, and the forms to file when they have births.I am willing to bet they don’t even know that they need an importation permit to receive out of state eggs and or chicks/adults for wild game birds.Whether raising wild game birds either for hobby, commercial, or release on your own property in most states require a license to harbor wild game birds.I have had people, in my own State of West Virginia, call and ask me If I wanted a science or 4-H project that they had in hatching quail, pheasant and Chukar. I had to decline the offer since they were not licensed. I cannot receive any wild game bird with in this state without the proper paperwork. I cannot import any wild game bird eggs/chicks/adults without the proper vet certificates and an importation permit.All the new members here are in for a rude awaking if you have not consulted your local DNR/DEC wildlife section about acquiring and harboring wild game birds. It is only a matter of time before you get caught.Oh and by the way, most states list game birds as Quail, Pheasants, Partridge, Grouse and all sub species. Even if there isn’t a season listed in your state for Chukar, I am willing to bet that the person who purchased 100 birds or so will need some kind of shoot to retrieve or field trial permit either in the regular upland hunting season or when the upland season is closed for the listed bird above.Even if you are raising the birds for your own use, as for dog training, more then likely even on your own land, that’s right, your own land, will more then likely need a permit to run your dogs on your own birds.Just remember, that any bird that you release, or escapes, belongs now to the state, and to all the people of your state. You no longer have any invested rights in that bird that you hatched out.Another thing for you new game bird breeders/members out there, you may be able to eat what you have in your the pen at any time, but remember during the regular legal hunting season, whatever you release, the legal daily limits, and season bag limits are, you must abide by them. If your state says no pheasant hens, and you release hens you can’t shoot them, unless you have a special permit to do so during the hunting season, or you are a legal Licensed Shooting Preserve, or have some other permit stating you may shoot hens.StevePheasant Hollow Farm
Good post SteveI think I remember reading that the state of Virginia is even tougher than WV. I researched this myself before getting birds and am in Michigan.Like Chris said it is pretty painless and the fee isn't all that much. You do have to keep records for listed gamebird species when hatching & releasing. I don't have my book infront of me but Chris didn't mention that there is something that states about a 6 month time period where you can posses birds without a license if you are not keeping them longer than that here. Having this permit also gives the DNR the right to enter your property at any time for pretty much any reason.Good thing I have nothing to hideWally
In the state of WV, prior to even receiving your game farm license you have to have a valid WV Business License. Once you have the business license you then must have the birds prior to even getting the game farm license.Ya I know, @$$ backwards. You would think that you would be issued the game farm license prior to the receiving of any birds.StevePheasant Hollow Farm