My in-laws have some property in Waterloo, and I'm looking to purchase some pheasants and quail to release there this fall for my own shooting enjoyment. Can anyone point me in the direction of any bird farms in the area that sell full grown birds?

I'm told pheasants don't reproduce that far south due to a mineral lacking in the soil. Anyone know if this is correct, or if there's something else going on?

I have a buddy that has some quail. He will probably sell i'll have to talk to him how many are you interested in?

Before you release any birds in the wild you need to get the proper permit.

Possession of Captive-reared Game
Mammals and Birds
It is unlawful to hold, possess or engage in the
raising of game mammals, game birds or migratory
game birds without first obtaining either
a Class A Noncommercial or Class B
Commercial Game and Game Bird Breeders
Permit. Permit holders are required to keep
detailed records of the acquisition and disposal
of each species. Class B permit holders
are required to keep records of sales.
Records must be available for inspection by
the Department and peace officers. Complete
regulations are available in the Wildlife Code
[520 ILCS 5/3.23] which is available on the
DNR website.

if you release them the hawks will get pen raised birds pretty quick. Just my experience from working with my dog. So get after then with in a hour or two if you want anything to shoot.

If you buy the permit like lifestudent55 said you can get all the birds you want on the last sunday of the month at the bird and animal swap in waterloo at the fair grounds. Get there early for best choice but you will need the permit to get the sellers to sell them to you.. They have all kinds of quail and pheasant...even chuckar sometimes..

yup here is the link http://www.mbaba.org/

Thanks for the info guys I had no idea about the permits. Any info on how to get one, and how long it'll take for the dnr to process & turn around?

Ill be in Waterloo the last weekend of the month but I doubt I can get a permit by then. If you're releasing your own birds, do the normal season dates apply? I ask because I know hunt clubs that release birds start Sept 1but the statewide season starts in Nov.

http://spinotew1.commerce.state.il.us/dfsim.nsf/0/8dc6c88aa2df7e518625646d0064cf92?OpenDocument

Business Requirement Profile: Wild Game & Game Bird Breeder Permit

Agency:
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Wild Game/Game Bird Breeder Permits
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702-1271
(217) 785-3423

Statute: 520 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/3.23

Requirement Description: A permit is required for any person to hold, possess or engage in the raising of game mammals, furbearers, game birds or migratory game birds protected by the Illinois Wildlife Code. Species may be obtained only from another licensed breeder. Game taken in the wild is illegal and not authorized by this permit. Permits are issued for a period of up to one year and are valid from April 1 of the year issued and expire the following March 31.

Approval Process: Permits are issued by the Department upon receipt and approval of a Wild Game & Game Bird Breeder Permit Application, together with payment of the appropriate fee. Applicant must swear that the information contained on the application is true and accurate. False or deceptive information may subject applicant to arrest and revocation of license privileges for up to five years.

The Department issues a permit within two weeks after receiving a completed application and fee. Applications are denied if they indicate intent to possess a species not authorized by the Department or if applicant proposes to obtain species from an unlicensed party.

Pre-Requisites: A federal permit issued by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is required before anyone may legally obtain, sell, trade or give away migratory game birds. For information on federal permits call (612) 725-3776.

Fees: No fee is required for a "Class A Ferret" permit (for persons intending to possess, propagate or hold in captivity but not offer for sale ferret(s)). $10 for "Class A Noncommercial" (for possessing, propagating or holding in captivity but not offering for sale any of the species of game mammals, game birds or migratory game birds named on the application). $20 for "Class B Commercial" (for possessing, propagating or holding in captivity, to sell alive for propagation or hunting purposes, or sell dressed for food purposes, ferrets or any species of game mammal, game bird or migratory game bird named on the application).

Make checks or money orders payable to the Department of Natural Resoures.

[Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs]

I think you can still purchase the permit online through the IDNR website.. Print it out and your good to go..

I don't think you'll have a problem buying birds no one has ever asked me for permit. It's not the sellers job to enforce the law.

I agree w/ country Bumpkin. Raised quail for years to train bird dogs with. Once released pen raised birds only last 1-3 days. They drown from rain/snow as they have no oil in their feathers like wild birds. Predators catch them quite easily- hawks, cats, dogs, coons, skunks. Phesants have same problem but may last a day or two longer depending on the weather.

I purchased a class a breeders permit at Sax's in mascoutah, just like you would a hunting license ect. You may purchase birds from Keith Deal @ 841-3971. He has acres of flight pens. He is in Galacia Il.