The application period to hold pheasant hunts sponsored by the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation has begun.

This program enables experienced hunters and others to obtain state-reared pheasants for use in sponsored hunts for youth, women, novices, veterans, and people with disabilities.

Those interested in obtaining an application to hold a sponsored pheasant hunt may contact the local DEC regional office for an application. The office covering Albany, Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Montgomery, Otsego, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Schoharie counties is located at 65561 Route 10, Suite 1, in Stamford, New York and may be reached by phone at (607) 652-7367. Program requirements and applications may also be downloaded from DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/49071.html.

Applications must be received by the regional wildlife office no later than Sept. 1. Successful applicants will be notified by phone. If an application has been accepted, the applicant will be required to make arrangements with the Reynolds Game Farm located in Ithaca, New York, to coordinate a delivery time, date, and location.