Seriously contemplating pheasant hunting for my first time

[kweedon]

I have never been pheasant hunting before and I have read a few articles on it already. but I don't have a dog and I don't really know where to go. I live 20 miles from the skookumchuck release sight but I hear it is hit pretty hard. anyone have some tips for a first timer?

[WSU]

It is far better with a dog.  Try to find a friend that has a dog and go with them.

[kweedon]

I already own a Remington 1100 3" and I have about 5 boxes of #3 steel shot by Xpert

[Stilly bay]

If your living that close to the skookumchuck release site that means your close to some of the best grouse hunting on this side of the state. Don't waste your time on release site pheasants, grouse are  easier for the dogless hunter to bag.

[CP]

Just take a walk through the release site.  Try to stay out of shotgun range of other hunters.   You might flush some birds but more likely other hunters will kick some up that will fly your way.  If you down one, mark where it falls and get to it as quickly as you can.  If you have trouble finding a downed bird someone with a dog is usually more than willing to help.

[kweedon]

If your living that close to the skookumchuck release site that means your close to some of the best grouse hunting on this side of the state. Don't waste your time on release site pheasants, grouse are  easier for the dogless hunter to bag.

The only time I ever see a grouse is when I'm driving the logging roads when Im out deer hunting. and they are few and very far between. Where would I go to grouse hunt?

[Stilly bay]

If your living that close to the skookumchuck release site that means your close to some of the best grouse hunting on this side of the state. Don't waste your time on release site pheasants, grouse are  easier for the dogless hunter to bag.

The only time I ever see a grouse is when I'm driving the logging roads when Im out deer hunting. and they are few and very far between. Where would I go to grouse hunt?

get off the logging roads and you will find them. They only pick gravel on the roads a couple times a day if at all, the rest of the time they are in the thick stuff. learn how to identify grouse cover and park the truck and start walking.

CP summed up hunting the release site without a dog. If I was dog-less and dead set on pheasant hunting I would choose scatter creek over skookumchuck, IMO you stand a far better chance of bumping into one or having one pass overhead.

There are plenty of  Bird dog guys out there that would be willing to take a newbie out, it means more birds for their dogs. Just be sure to practice safety and follow the dog owner's instructions and you might get invited a second time.

[Curly]

Stilly is right;  grouse hunting w/out a dog is much more fun than pheasant hunting w/out a dog.  (In part because you don't have to be on a release site with a whole crowd of people).

[fethrduster]

One thing for sure, the success rate for people who get out there and try it vs the ones who sit home watching football is a zillion compared to zero.   Just get out there and give it a whack.  The worst that can happen is you'll get skunked.  The best that can happen is you'll get a bird or two, meet some people, and start paying your dues and earning your bird hunting stripes.  You'll figure it out soon enough.   

[Buckmark]

Spend a little money and get a much better first time pheasant hunting experience short of  going with someone who has dogs and access to good hunting ground.
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http://www.cookecanyon.com/services.html
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You will have birds to shoot at, not have to do combat hunting, not have to run for your bird if you even trip across any, you wont get shot at, you get to experience bird dogs doing there thing which is a great part of upland hunting..
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Release sites, unless you go in the afternoon when most people have left and have a good dog are nothing like what pheasant hunting is really like..

[AspenBud]

Spend a little money and get a much better first time pheasant hunting experience short of  going with someone who has dogs and access to good hunting ground.
*
http://www.cookecanyon.com/services.html
*
You will have birds to shoot at, not have to do combat hunting, not have to run for your bird if you even trip across any, you wont get shot at, you get to experience bird dogs doing there thing which is a great part of upland hunting..
*
Release sites, unless you go in the afternoon when most people have left and have a good dog are nothing like what pheasant hunting is really like..

Holy cow birds are expensive there! Last time I hit a preserve, and a non-members only one at that, a couple of years ago I paid about $100 for five roosters and around $100 for 6-7 chukar. Granted that was in another state outside the northwest but still...WOW.

[Stilly bay]

Spend a little money and get a much better first time pheasant hunting experience short of  going with someone who has dogs and access to good hunting ground.
*
http://www.cookecanyon.com/services.html
*
You will have birds to shoot at, not have to do combat hunting, not have to run for your bird if you even trip across any, you wont get shot at, you get to experience bird dogs doing there thing which is a great part of upland hunting..
*
Release sites, unless you go in the afternoon when most people have left and have a good dog are nothing like what pheasant hunting is really like..

Holy cow birds are expensive there! Last time I hit a preserve, and a non-members only one at that, a couple of years ago I paid about $100 for five roosters and around $100 for 6-7 chukar. Granted that was in another state outside the northwest but still...WOW.

WELCOME TO WASHINGTON! 

there is one perserve on the Wet side that I know of and the price tag for six chukar just went up to $200. If you factor in gas money saved its not that bad, but $200 is still a big pill to swallow. That being said the birds are 100% top notch flyers and your dog won't catch them like at other preserves I could mention where the birds barely have a pulse 

[12Gauge]

I see that you live in Lacey.  Along Rainier road, (College Street turns into Rainier road after Yelm hwy), there is the Fort Lewis Pheasant release site, area 22/23.  Pretty good if you don't have a dog, there are enough dogs there that birds will flush.

Call the NW Adventure Center at North Fort Lewis (253) 967-8282  or 7744 and ask how to register to hunt on the base.

 

[Fishaholic]

If your living that close to the skookumchuck release site that means your close to some of the best grouse hunting on this side of the state. Don't waste your time on release site pheasants, grouse are  easier for the dogless hunter to bag.

 


When I  was deer hunting last year I seen more Phesants then deer when I was in gmu 162.  I was just driving dirt rds. Good luck