By: Richard L. Smith
According to a statement released by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Fish & Wildlife, pheasant stocking for the 2024 hunting season will see adjustments due to a recent forest fire in the Glassboro Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
In preparation for the annual pheasant hunting season, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife typically stocks pheasants across 23 Wildlife Management Areas throughout New Jersey, including select areas like Fort Dix and the Delaware Water Gap NRA, along with quail stocking at Greenwood Forest and Peaslee WMAs.
NJDEP Fish & Wildlife said that pheasants will not be stocked at Glassboro WMA on Opening Day, Saturday, November 9, 2024, as a safety precaution for the public, hunters, and New Jersey State Forest Fire Service personnel.
Instead, pheasants originally designated for Glassboro will be redistributed to other Southern Region WMAs, ensuring continued opportunities for hunters while keeping safety a priority.
Spring preparations for pheasant hunting begin months in advance, with Fish & Wildlife staff planting forage and cover seed mixtures.
These efforts not only support a robust pheasant population but also enrich the habitat for various wildlife species, creating a safe and challenging hunting experience for both seasoned hunters and newcomers alike.
NJDEP Fish & Wildlife expressed gratitude for the community’s patience and assured that they will continue to consult with the NJ State Forest Fire Service to evaluate conditions and determine when stocking at Glassboro can safely resume.
