Pheasant feed distribution under way

By KIM FUNDINGSLAND, Staff Writer kfundingsland@minotdailynews.com

POSTED: February 6, 2009

Kim Fundingsland/MDN

Members of Minot’s Pheasants For The Future load bags of feed into a waiting pickup Wednesday evening at SunPrairie Grain in Minot. The sportsmen’s group expects to distribute nearly 5,000 bags of feed this winter in support of wildlife feeding programs in the area.

Pheasants and other wildlife were getting a helping hand from volunteers Wednesday evening at Minot's SunPrairie Grain Seed Plant. Pheasants For The Future members helped load 50-pound bags containing a mixture of oats, barley, corn and peas onto waiting vehicles for people conducting feeding programs.

It was the fourth feed distribution night conducted by the local organization and, because of the severity of the winter, more will be scheduled.

"We'll keep it going," said Dan Sem, of SunPrairie Grain and a Pheasants For The Future member. "We'll watch the weather to a certain point but we'll keep lining up more feed and get it blended. We'll purchase feed when we can. There's some areas that have really got some serious problems for wildlife."

This winter falls into the "killer" category for many of the region's pheasants. While pheasants are the targeted species for the food distribution program, all wildlife can benefit. Those involved in feeding feel they are lending a helping hand.

"We've seen a lot more people taking a genuine interest this winter because they feel the birds are suffering," said Sem. "Maybe they weren't that interested in wildlife before, but they are trying to do something now."

The demand for feed this year has increased considerably. According to Sem, the club's feed distribution program sold about 1,200 50-pound bags of feed the past two years. This year the club is on track to distribute 250,000 pounds of feed.

"By the time we're done I'd say it'll be 5,000 bags," said Sem. "We've got a lot of winter left. Some say they are feeding 10 birds and others about 500. Once you start feeding and get the birds coming back, you should finish."

The cost for the feed is $3.50 per bag, The program has been conducted by Pheasants For The Future for 20 years or more. The organization is scheduled to host its 27th annual banquet March 13.