January 28, 2025

After an avian influenza outbreak resulted in the loss of nearly 100,000 pheasants on his farm, Mike Martz was determined to employ every measure he could to avoid a repeat occurrence.
The owner of Martz’s Gap View Hunting Preserve in Dalmatia, Pa., Martz has utilized a variety of wild-bird deterrents since the outbreak occurred in December 2023. He said he also has a depredation permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service allowing for some lethal removal of certain bird species.