SIX TO SEVEN THOUSAND QUAIL RAISED YEARLY AT GAME FARM
Middle Island Mail
August 14, 1935
Six To Seven Thousand Quail
Raised Yearly At Game Farm
0n the north side of the Middle Country road, at Middle
Island is an orderly looking farm which often arouses the
curiosity of the passing motorist. It is the State Game
farm and has been operated since 1914 when the Game
Conservation department purchased, 100 acres of land.
The farm at first was used to raise ringneck
pheasant's. It was, under the supervision of Harry T.
Rogers, superintendent of Pheasant Farms. The foremen
under Mr. Rogers were Harry Gordon, Harry Baker and Floyd
R. Buell. All of these foremen did splendid work.
Now bob white quails and a limited number of ringneck
pheasants are reared exclusively by the electric brooder
method. The eggs are secured from a breeding stock of 500
quail which are maintained at the state farm. The eggs
are hatched by electrically heated brooder units. The
farm which is the largest in the northern states, raises
about 6,000 to 7,000 quail annually. Over half of the
birds are distributed in
Nassau and Suffolk counties, the balance going South.
They are distributed to sportsmen of the state for
liberation in suitable areas.
Reports indicate that the quail hunting on Long Island
has been materially improved by the liberation of -the
birds from the state farm at Middle Island.
M. 0. Poyner, one foreman, one assistant and six
helpers are employed at the farm. The men take care of
the birds and also keep the farm in good order. The
general aspect of the farm is one that suggests
efficiency, neatness, and large-scale production under
modern scientific conditions.
Visitors are welcome. The only restrictions imposed
upon them are moderate, and are consistent with proper
management and protection of breeding stock and young
birds. These' restrictions are such as the foreman, at
his discretion, may impose.
The quail are distributed through sportsmen's
organizations registered with the department.