A Pheasant’s Journey

Since the early 1900s, pheasants have been an important game bird species in Alberta. Native of Asia, the ring-necked pheasant is a colourful upland bird that brings a touch of exotic to farmlands, rangelands, wetlands, river valleys and parks. But in order to thrive, their existence needs special care and attention. 

Pheasant farming brings tradition, sustainability, and niche economics together. Although a rather small industry, it has high potential and cultural resonance and is an important part of the game bird existence in our country.

 For decades, hatcheries have been in place to raise and release pheasants with an emphasis on creating and maintaining habitat for pheasants and other wildlife species that are under constant threat from urban sprawl, agricultural expansion and industrial development. 

This documentary takes the viewer on a fascinating journey through the life cycle of a pheasant and the farms that tend to them through their major phases including nesting, brooding, food and foraging and release. The film will follow the birds’ evolution from an egg hatching, to day old chicks, necessary processes that protect the birds from harming one another, the growth and movement to larger pens, catching and loading, and finally their release into the wild.

We also explore conservation and hunting efforts and how they play a significant role in game bird existence. Working closely with organizations such as Alberta Conservation Association, Ducks Unlimited and Alberta Hunting Education Instructors Association, we'll feature interviews that will help the audience get a broader sense of why this is an important part of our environment, industry and heritage.