Liberate 500 Pheasants

Northern Advocate, 13 June 1947, Page 2

Liberate 500 Pheasants

From the beginning of the last season to the commencement of the next 500 pheasants will be liberated by the Whangarci Acclimatisation Society.

As rar as possible the number liberated will contain an equal number of each sex.

The president of the society (Mr S. J. Snow) stated yesterday that the quality of the birds obtained this year was as good as, if not better than any obtained in previous years. Several farmers had applied to the society to havlp birds liberated on their properties. All these applications were dealt with by the liberation committee, who decided if the property was suitable.

Aspects taken into consideration by the committee in making a decision included the lay of the land and its capability to produce the right kind of food. The freedom. of the particular area from illegal shooting was also an angle to-be considered. CHOICE OF AREAS Birds were liberated on chosen properties by a ranger of the society. Careful choice of an area containing sufficient shelter was necessary, so as to afford a certain amount of protection for the young birds. The total cost of liberating the birds was 2/6 per head From the point of view of the shooter, said Mr Snow, the 2/6 per bird for liberation charges had proved to be money well spent. The extra amount of care and attention this allowed resulted in more birds being available for the next shooting season. The Whangarei Acclimatisation Society hopes to be able to obtain upwards of 1000 birds or more for the next liberation season.