John, they are released birds. It's a shame that there are no wild pheasants around. Up until the early '80's and then gone. Some say loss of habitat, and others say avian flu. One thing I do know is that the state used to release young birds 8-12 weeks old on non-posted lands and by hunting season the ones that made it were like wild birds. They don't do it anymore and have cut way back on their pheasant program. They are now thinking of a $10.00 Pheasant stamp. Maybe. I just don't see that many people out there anymore, probably because there is nothing to be out there for. Future looks sad. As for the gun, since I have had it and re-furbished it, I wanted to try it out. It's about 2 lbs. more than what I usually carry. Took it apart and cleaned it, the stock finish was "aligatored", and took the recoil pad off, wasn't right, and put a replacement butt plate on it.