Joe and Arlene Hakes circa 1995

Zwickey’z Pheasant Farm began in 1991, when Dean Hakes and his friend Kurt Hondel started what they called a “pheasant paradise.” They named it after Kurt’s hunting dog, Zwickey, a name that has been part of the farm ever since.

Not long after, the Uniroyal plant closed its doors and Joe and Arlene Hakes took over running the pheasant operation on their property. What began as a source of extra income soon grew into raising thousands of pheasants, caring for chicks, maintaining pens, and welcoming hunters year after year. Along the way, it became much more than a side business. It became a way of life.

From the beginning, Zwickey’z has been about more than releasing birds. It's about watching good dogs work the cover, introducing new hunters to the sport, sharing stories in the clubhouse after the hunt, and treating every group like guests rather than customers. Those traditions grew under Joe and Arlene and continue today.

Now, more than 30 years later, Zwickey’z remains family-owned and operated by its third generation. While a lot has changed over the years, the values haven't. We still believe in healthy birds, well-kept fields, honest hospitality, and giving every hunting party a day they'll remember.

Zwickey’z didn’t become a tradition overnight. It became one season by season, family by family, hunt by hunt.