Pheasant would definitely be a waste of time for a first time hunter without some private lands lined up. That sport tanked long ago. Quail hunting, on the other hand is top notch. Now that is also because I have been hunting the rez for over forty years, know some very productive spots, and really know the habits of those coveys. Any freelancer with a good pointer will eventually find some singles scattered around, and even bump a coveys on the FFTH areas. I say yes, get the permit, and enjoy the hunting. I'll be bombing over for a day trip this week.