Pheasant Release Sites

[skagit]

I have never tried the pheasant release sites but I am considering trying out the sites in Skagit and on Whibey Island.  I hear some of the release sites down south are a circus, is it the same up North?  Any tips on release site etiquette?  Should I wear a flack jacket?

[carpsniperg2]

yeah there is a ton of people going to be out on them. a lot of people break the rules and start way early.

[washelkhntr]

Should I wear a flack jacket?

Definately if your gonna try the island.  I had my first and last Phesant hunt last year on one of the sites here on the island. The worst day ever. To many people and a bunch of TOOLS at that! If that is what Phesant hunting is all about, I want nothing to do with it.

 

[NWWABOWHNTR]

I quit hunting the release sites,  but still get to watch the circus... I duck hunt where I can watch them here on the Island... a zoo!  People yelling and chasing their dogs,  blowing whistles and trying to stp their dogs from running all over... blaming the dogs for the lack of training they have provided.   No way to hunt... shoulder to shoulder with a bunch of yahoos....

[dawei]

I have never tried the pheasant release sites but I am considering trying out the sites in Skagit and on Whibey Island.  I hear some of the release sites down south are a circus, is it the same up North?  Any tips on release site etiquette?  Should I wear a flack jacket?

THE BEST Pheasant Release Sites are those operated on Ft. Lewis which is open to the public. The reason they are the best....................

Every Saturday & Sunday there are two releases per site
• 30 Hunters MAX per site.
• They release the morning of the hunt, not the night before.
• They allow AM hunting from 0800-1100.
• Site is closed 1100-1300 while they release more birds.
• They allow PM hunters from 1300-1600.

On Holidays & Wednesdays
• One release per day.
• 30 Hunters MAX per site.

Illegal & unethical behavior is not tolerated! ALL WA Game Laws are strictly enforced. If you violate ANY game laws you receive a Federal violation and your vehicle & guns are confiscated.

These sites are the safest Pheasant Release Sites in the state!

[CP]

  Any tips on release site etiquette?  :

Here’s a list of actions that I have witnessed that you should probably not do:

1.   Load your gun in the parking lot and throw it over your shoulder so the muzzle covers everyone behind you.
2.   Tromp through the fields before 8:00am.
3.   Run your dogs through the fields before 8:00am.
4.   Yell at and throw rocks at the duck hunters because they got there before 8:00am
5.   When you see someone working on a bird, run over there to get a shot first
6.   Follow someone else’s dog
7.   Flank other hunters and shoot at birds that they flush
8.   Shoot birds in the parking lot
9.   Shoot at swans that fly over

I’m sure that I’ve missed a few but you get the idea.  Actually it’s only a few jerks that screw it up for others.  Most people are courteous and respectful of other hunters and the rules.

[Stilly bay]

do yourself a huge favor and buy some good quality shatter proof shooting glasses.
 when parking, back in so the windshield of your truck is facing AWAY from the field. 
if you have a dog get an orange vest for it. the vest won't save its life but it might slow down some pellets.

the night before its always a good Idea to practice giving the middle finger so you don't strain yourself the next morning when your hunting, good physical conditioning regimens like that are essential to a western washington pheasant hunt.

the sad thing is im serious

[bobcat]

Just don't hunt at 8:00 in the morning. Go in the afternoon and it's not too bad. I won't be buying the western Wa. pheasant license anymore now that it's $90, but I would think the number of people should be significantly reduced just by that alone. And as I said, go in the afternoons on the weekends, and also try Monday through Friday. The release sites are practically empty during the week.

[MP123]

Just don't hunt at 8:00 in the morning. Go in the afternoon and it's not too bad. I won't be buying the western Wa. pheasant license anymore now that it's $90, but I would think the number of people should be significantly reduced just by that alone. And as I said, go in the afternoons on the weekends, and also try Monday through Friday. The release sites are practically empty during the week.

Good advice.  Weekend mornings are crazy, that's why you have to pick odd or even numbered days to hunt when you get your license.  During the week or afternoons it's not bad at all and there's usually still some birds around.  The release sites in Whatcom and Skagit at least release on Tues, Fri, and Sat nights for hunts the next day but not all the birds get shot and you can usually find some later on.

I'd probably suggest avoiding the Welts unit in Skagit once waterfowl opens up.  It's a Pheasant release site but also heavily used for ducks and there's often friction between the two groups.

[CP]

Wednesdays are worse than weekends, avoid Weds mornings.   

[thinkingman]

Wednesdays are worse than weekends, avoid Weds mornings.   

Spoken like a retiree who like to hunt on Wednesdays!

[skagit]

Wow.... That seriously makes me question buying a pheasant release license.  I may go watch the circus before I shell out $90.

[skagit]

 

[bobcat]

Wow.... That seriously makes me question buying a pheasant release license.  I may go watch the circus before I shell out $90.

In my opinion, it's only worth it if that's all you're going to do all hunting season. Or, I suppose if you are retired and have lots of free time. But for me, I like to hunt deer, elk, coyotes, etc. and just don't feel it's worth $90 to hunt non-wild pheasants for 1 day. Even though it is just across the street from my house. If I had the time and money I'd rather take a week and go to eastern Washington and hunt wild birds.

[sled]

  If you must go at least take your safety glasses for sure.  I suggest you save your 90 dollars for gas to get east.  But you cant hit anything anyway!

[hunter12]

if you do bother.... Hunt it after the 8:00 group runs thru it... after like 9:15 most of the crazy group have shot a bird or two and leave.. You will have to work for the birds... most have hit the tree lines so hunt the woods and you should do ok..... I gave up on it myself

[Dustin07]

great thread. funny that everyone agrees on something 

 I personally haven't bothered. like mentioned, the $90 for 2 birds is a bit much. especially in the scenarios listed above.

[singleshot12]

90 bucks really isn't that bad when you think about the cost of raising them. They just need to find more sites to open to help distribute hunters and make it more enjoyable for everyone, then participation would grow and the program would pay for itself.

[bobcat]

I don't think $90 is too much either if you actually have time to go and hunt enough to make it worthwhile. I just don't have the time, with deer, elk, and then family time I just can't do it. If I was retired I would definitely spend the $90 and find the time to go. Well, unless I decided to spend most of the hunting season in SE Washington and hunt wild birds instead. But yeah, $90 isn't out of line I don't think. Somebody has to pay for all those birds.