Though they are one of the most beautiful birds out there, I lament in seeing them. Most of the pheasants we see are raised on farms and released into the wild just so some white-trash cowards can hunt them. They are often quite approachable and reluctant to fly for long distances. They have been introduced here from Asia. Approximately 10 million are raised on "Pheasant Farms" in the US, just to be slaughtered. Some sport.