🔔 Breaking News: New plans are underway for a larger and better release area than Cass City! Stay tuned! Click here for details.

A 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization · Michigan

Michigan Pheasant
Hunting Initiative

FAQ Support the Mission

"Love this program!! Me, my family and a few friends started pheasant hunting again because of this program."

— Wally I.

13
Public Release Sites
$25
Pheasant License — 58 Days of Hunting
58
Days of Pheasant Hunting

Returning rooster pheasants to Michigan's public fields — for every hunter, every season.

Why Release Pheasants to Hunt?

Hunter Recruitment

Youth participation in outdoor sports declines every year. Putting birds in the field gives new and returning hunters a genuine shot at success — and a reason to keep coming back.

Hunting Opportunity

This program is built for recreational hunting — not repopulation. The goal is simple: give Michigan hunters on public land a real, fair chance at a rooster in the field.

Economic Growth

The investment creates additional income for local game bird breeders, dog breeders, sporting goods stores, restaurants, hotels, and many more small businesses across southern Michigan.

While others focus on 20-year habitat plans, MPHI focuses on roosters flushing when you hunt this season.

"Birds in the air = boots on the ground!"

— The MPHI Creed

Ring-necked rooster pheasant
MPHI booth at outdoor event
MPHI Logo

What We've Done

From Grassroots to Legislation

  • MPHI supporters successfully lobbied to expand the release program in 2023.
  • Your $25 pheasant license goes directly into a protected state fund used exclusively to purchase roosters.
  • 13 public game areas across southern Michigan — many with more than one release zone, totaling 32 separate zones statewide.
  • Fall and December season releases ensure hunting opportunity throughout the season.
  • Hunters 17 and under hunt for free. Take a kid hunting!
  • Michigan is one of 24 states that stock pheasants on public land for hunters to pursue.
  • The program focuses on state-owned game areas accessible to all licensed hunters.

Get In Touch

Contact MPHI

Phone 810-358-9372
Email [email protected]
Contact Ken Dalton, Founder
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