Pheasant Advice

[wfulps]

I am a taxidermist, but I am considering expanding my business and would like some feedback. I contacted a taxidermy school in my home state of Missouri to ask where he buys his pheasants for his students, as I was interested in purchasing some to mount and sell retail. He wouldn't recommend anyone, because he hasn't been happy with the pheasants he's purchased over the past several years and has changed suppliers repeatedly. He said we need someone in the area who would breed pheasants and provide decent quality birds. He buys about 150 birds per year at $12 to $15 each.

Here's my question. I have absolutely no knowledge of raising birds -- seriously clueless. Would this be a viable business idea, beginning to raise pheasants with the knowledge that I could sell 150 birds a year at this price? And if so, how in the world would I go about getting started?

Thanks.

Walt Fulps
www.OzarkTaxidermy.com