Westside pheasant release site hunting frustration

[Fishstiq]

Nice to know there are other people out there with big running dogs.  This is only my second year and the first where my boy is an adult now.  I only take him out after 10a or on non-release days.  Doesn't take long for him to cover the entire site.

No one's yelled at me yet though.  Maybe they're too stunned just seeing a lady out hunting with her dog.   

Oh. "a lady" now is it? 

 

[dustysags]

I hunt up north in the ferndale release sites and this year is the worst. Me and my grandpa have been pheasant hunting  the same places for close to ten years I think and this is the worst year yet. Theres been a couple of release sites 2 hour walking trips without seeing a bird. I guess just taking my gun for a walk and saving ammo for ducks.

[kinoko]

That's the outward appearance at least

Nice to know there are other people out there with big running dogs.  This is only my second year and the first where my boy is an adult now.  I only take him out after 10a or on non-release days.  Doesn't take long for him to cover the entire site.

No one's yelled at me yet though.  Maybe they're too stunned just seeing a lady out hunting with her dog.   

Oh. "a lady" now is it? 

 

[singleshot12]

And a lady who is one heck of a good shot

[johng]

I'll just chime in here and say that I have had pretty good experiences overall hunting Western WA. Pheasant release sites... can they be somewhat crowded on the weekend at 8am?  You bet.... However, if I don't feel like having my Britt and I run around with everyone else we will just show up in the afternoon.  You can still get birds.

Is it the same as a beautiful day hunting upland bird and jump shooting ducks in Eastern WA?  No sir...  But on the other hand I don't have to drive 3 hours each way and spend a bunch of Federal Reserve Notes on gas... plus both my dog and I get experience.

It's kind of a mixed bag.... I got two pheasants this past Monday and my buddy got one... they are out there but it does seem like they aren't as many as last year?!   

Good luck!

- jg

[Stilly bay]

 they are out there but it does seem like they aren't as many as last year?!   

That would be because they aren't releasing nearly as many this year due the inflated prices of chicken scratch.