eastern washington pheasant release sites

[buglebuster]

How are we supposed to know when the release the birds? I used to hunt the wenas release site and everytime I randomly decided to go out there we did really well. Must have just hit it right, usually around modern elk season. The past few years not so lucky, no birds around at all. I heard they usually do it thanksgiving but went right after and there was nothing.

[Birdguy]

We are not supposed to know when they release birds, it is part of the feed the predators program the WDFW does not advertise... Ok just kidding, but they do not advertise anywhere when the releases will be in an attempt to not have 300 guys show up at a release like on the west side. They used to release pretty regular every other week, but with reduced funding I think that went away. They still try to release around the opener, Thanksgiving, and once more in mid Dec. That being said I have no solid dates or locations, you will just have to luck into the right time and place for a west side experience on the east side.

[Roo]

I am not sure where you are on the East side but if your anywhere near the tri-cities I am sure the release sites will be slammed for opener they always are. I have tried Big Flats a few times without much luck.  There are a few free to hunt areas around that have produced birds in years past. I have a gsp that needs birds badly so if anyone knows a some good places and wants a hunting buddy I have dog and I would love to get her on some birds this year.

[Mfowl]

I was under the belief that they do not release birds for the opener but there may be remaining birds from the youth season. They usually do the first release for the second or third weekend and then every other weekend through Thanksgiving. That being said I have not hit a release site at the right time for the last 2 seasons. I have not had success at the LT Murray release site since they moved it from the Cottonwoods over to the Rosa Creek area. Also I haven't been in there yet this year so I'm not sure what the fire did to that area.