Pheasant Hunting

Pheasant Hunting Basics 

Equipment:

Shotgun, shells, license, orange hunting vest, good boots, hunting pants (brush), dog (optional), 

Regulations & Licenses:

Annual license required.  First time hunters under 40 are required to take hunter education/safety classes. WDFW offers some pheasant release sites on west side of mountains with different fees and regulations. WDFW prints annual pamphlet with seasons, rules, and regulations.  Remember to get permission before hunting private property. Tips on private huntable lands available in WDFW pamphlet as well as good public hunting sites. License generally covers taking upland game birds while migratory stamp needed for ducks/geese. 

When & Where:

Hunting season generally Mid-October to Mid-January eastside, read pamphlet for release site hours & dates in Western Washington. Special short seasons for youth/seniors. Pamphlet needed to identify good public & private with permission hunting areas.

Notes:

Once you try bird hunting, it is likely you will love it.  It is a great way to interact with nature and learn bird and animal instincts and habits. There is a thrill and feeling of satisfaction of bringing game to the table. Skill is required to get good at it just like most sports, but after more than 60 years of hunting, I can say it was worth the time learning the skills.  Successful tracking in the snow, learning where birds hide, how to flush, shoot and find them are skills that improve with time and experience. Taking someone on their first successful hunt is a pleasant memory that will bond both of you.