Areas outside the Pheasant Release Sites?

[Everett]

I have never hunted pheasant before and I'm starting to do some research on it.  I was thinking of hunting the public land around a pheasant release area, about a 1/4 mile or so off the boundary line.  I just want to know what you guys, who have hunted the pheasant release areas, think my chances are at doing this.  I'm not really sure how far the pheasant travel from the release sites, or how many have survived.  From what I have read on this forum, the release sites are like a gauntlet, so I figure the ones who escape that may be hanging out in the general area still. 

[Birdguy]

Most of the ones lucky enough to elude hunters and dogs get eaten by coyotes, owls, eagles, hawks.........  You may be fortunate to find a few but there will not be many. I would say your chances are better in eastern WA but not much better. In order for the birds to be raised for state release most are raised in large pens with constant food and water, peepers, and total protection form all predators. Thus when released they do not understand that there are things out to get them and most are gone quickly. Good luck and if you do it let us know how it worked out.

[Everett]

I was wondering how domesticated they were.  I've come accross them working on the road and they'll come peck sand right out of your hand.  I thought that was kind of a fluke and that they were making it on their own, but from what you wrote and what I've researched, that isn't the case.  Thanks for your help.

[Ellensburg]

I dunno, I think that bordering areas sometimes hold more birds after the initial week or 2 of release. I have seen birds on private land near release sites on both the east and west side. I would say hit the release sites when its hot and then try the bordering area.

[MP123]

It depends on the release site too.  Some of them have pretty good cover and birds can survive for a while.  Others are so wide open with low cover that they don't last long.  I've never found much food in the gizzard of any of the release birds either so I don't think they get much to eat.

If you've got a spot you can hunt just outside the site that would probably be pretty good!

[CP]

They don’t get a chance to eat.  They are released in the evening and most are dead by 8:30am the next day.  Those that aren’t shot are pushed off the site or into the safety zones. 

[Everett]

The more I hear about it the more I really don't even want to mess with it.  If I do go I will hunt on the outside of the boundary, but it sounds like the release sites are kind of a nightmare.  I mean, they drop the pheasant off the night before and then people show up and wipe them out by 9:00 in the morning?  I read something on this forum that people were shooting the pheasants in the parking lot.  That just seems a little unsportsmanlike to me.  I guess my perception of hunting is a lot different than other peoples'.  I like to have to hunt whatever it is I'm hunting.  If that makes any sense?

[CP]

Most West side release sites are unsuitable pheasant habitat because they flood late in the season.  The whole West side in general is too wet for pheasants to nest successfully so there is no (or very little) wild population. 

A few birds escape to nearby private land and survive a winter or two but I doubt that they breed.  There is very little public land around the West side release sites.

[bobcat]

The release sites are good for training/exercising dogs and/or taking kids hunting, but that's about it, in my opinion. Unless you don't have a regular job and can hunt during the week, then it's not bad. There aren't usually a lot of birds, but if you're the only hunter out there it can be a good time. But otherwise, for birds I would concentrate on grouse here on the westside, and go to eastern Wa. for pheasants, chukar, and quail.

[MP123]

They usually release weds, fri, and sat so if you're free to hunt say Tuesday afternoon it can be a pretty good time.  Not many people and there will be a few birds around that have been shot at a lot and real skittish.  I'd skip the weekend mornings though.  It's fun for your dog if nothing else and they eat pretty good...  The license isn't cheap though.

[CamoDup]

my tip for you would be to get out there and beat the brush.. if your at a release site there will be a millon other hunters that will hunt it ALL day long.. find some thick cover and start walking.  You cant learn how to hunt on the internet. 

[sakoshooter]

I have never hunted pheasant before and I'm starting to do some research on it.  I was thinking of hunting the public land around a pheasant release area, about a 1/4 mile or so off the boundary line.  I just want to know what you guys, who have hunted the pheasant release areas, think my chances are at doing this.  I'm not really sure how far the pheasant travel from the release sites, or how many have survived.  From what I have read on this forum, the release sites are like a gauntlet, so I figure the ones who escape that may be hanging out in the general area still. 

If you buy a pheasant license, as you should if you're going to hunt them, then hunt the release areas. Your odds will be better where the birds are released. Shooting them just outside of the release areas on public ground is legal but still requires a pheasant license in my book.

[ORCA_SIX]

I have hunted the release sites on and off over the years. Each site varies as far as sportsmanship. Down in Scatter Creek it seems to be a bit crazy. The Ft. Lewis sites are pretty good. Cherry Valley is hit and miss. Crescent lake is not a good setup. Ebey Island can be good or bad, depends on what else is going on but it gets really wet there, as well as Cherry Valley. Definitely need knee high boots or even hip waders.

I am afforded a lot of time off so I like to go on Wednesdays which are not to bad, usually older guys. Saturday and Sundays can vary between nice and reckless, depending on what others seasons are going on. If you want to make it a little harder or less stressful I suggest going in around 11-2pm, most of the morning crowd is gone and there will be birds still around, just need to work for them. I tend to do a duck hunt in the morning, pack up my stuff and then go the release sites. So much nicer. But for an even better time, go on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Still quite a few birds to pick up, surprisingly with all of the other predators taking them out.  The other option is obviously Eastern WA, gas can be expensive (without a partner to help cost) but it can be such a blast working on wild birds. Good Luck.