from what i have learned from those wiser than me, pheasant in this area do not last due to predation, a lack of food, and a lack of cover. in simple terms, they are pretty well doomed when released.
however, pheasants are constructed mainly of bird meat and thus have a constitutional and god given right to be shot and eaten.
i have released farm raised pheasants for about 12 years now, and never saw any hold overs. grouse and turkey, on the other hand, flourish around here.
wild turkey, being made of of gravy, white meat, drum sticks, and really good tasting cooked skin, have successfully eluded me for two years now. this year, i will do my best to have one over for dinner.
remember, we can all be good nature conservationists by making room for all of God's feathered creatures, right next to the mashed potatoes !
chow !
SG