Ive got a place near chamberlain sd,neighbors (3) raise pheasants for their farm/hunting operation,ive purchased a few 100 to release to bolster our local pheasant population his tried and proved method to release pen raised birds is when the chicks are at least 12wks old to have a chance to make it out of 100 chicks released he claims if lucky 30% will survive, preds and weather.
Another neighbor rolls the dice uses a shotgun whilst out doing chores to reduce local hawk population crazy ....these guyz advertise wild pheasant hunts w/lodging $500/per gun per day! Booked for the 24 season, for 3 birds! Wild my ass, my 2yr pup catches them every time were out messing around.