What is PHIP?
The Pheasant Habitat Improvement Program (PHIP) is a cooperative effort between the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Pheasants Forever Inc., and local Pheasants Forever Chapters in Colorado. The program is designed to assist landowners in developing and enhancing habitat for ring-necked pheasants. PHIP is offered within the core pheasant range in Colorado, including the counties of:
- Morgan
- Southeastern Weld
- Logan
- Phillips
- Sedgwick
- Yuma
- Washington
- Kit Carson
- Cheyenne
- Kiowa
- Prowers
- Baca
PHIP Progress Report 1997 - 2005 (9MB)
What Projects can be done with PHIP?
PHIP habitat projects are designed to increase year round survival of pheasants, and in some cases bobwhite and scaled quail. In addition, many PHIP practices also increase hunting opportunity and success. Establishing tall grass in waste areas and sprinkler corners, planting sorghum food and cover plots, providing cropland incentives to retain tall wheat stubble, and developing shrub thickets are a few examples of PHIP practices.
How does PHIP work?
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) contracts the PHIP program to Pheasants Forever, Inc. Local Pheasants Forever chapters and CPW field staff deliver the program to private landowners. The CPW provides PF with technical guidelines and a project menu that can be accomplished through PHIP, and cost share and incentive rates for those projects. Many chapters install the projects for the landowner, but occasionally may ask landowners that own farming equipment to help install a project. Most projects are installed at no out-of pocket expense to the landowner, and increase opportunities for enrollment in the Small Game Walk-In Access Program.
What are the benefits of PHIP?
Enhanced upland game bird populations
Improved wildlife habitat for a variety of species
Environmental benefits
Better hunting opportunities
Where do I start?
Interested landowners in the project range can begin by contacting a nearby local Pheasants Forever chapter to see what types of projects are available. Landowners may also contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife to learn more about the PHIP program and upland game bird habitat improvement opportunities in eastern Colorado at:
CPW – PHIP
8118 CR 370
Sterling, CO 80751
(970) 521-0233
Resources
If you are interested in the Wetlands Partnership, please visit the Wetlands Partnership page.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Programs:
