Post by: ghosthunter on August 12, 2014, 05:36:26 PM
I’m writing to update you on the 2014 pheasant season and to let you know that there will not be a meeting this month in Mount Vernon. This is due to three vacant positions in the Wildlife Program in Region 4 and not having much to report in the way of changes from last year. One of the positions we are in the process of recruiting for is someone to oversee the Private Lands Access Program in the Region. This has the potential to increase our ability to find and develop new pheasant release sites on private properties in King, Snohomish, Skagit, Island and Whatcom Counties. Keep an eye on our website for more information about this position.
The dates for the 2014 Western Washington pheasant season are as follows:
Sept. 20 & 21 (youth only)
Sept. 22-26 (hunters 65 years or older only)
Sept. 27-Nov. 30 (open to all pheasant permit holders)
I’m attaching “Region 4 2014 Pheasant Release Information” for your information. Please note that a couple of items are still being worked on at this time.
To address the issues that Bow Hill residents have with noise, trespassing and additional road traffic, we have decided to reduce the number of pheasants released at the site. Securing a more suitable site in Skagit County remains a priority for the Department. We are continuing with efforts to sell some small, underutilized properties in the region and hope to use the revenue from these sales to purchase a property that could be managed for pheasant hunting.
With the legislature approving a supplemental feed budget the Department was able to increase the number of birds for the 2014 season. We are anticipating a full 40,000+ released up and down western Washington. This will be a 2,400 bird increase for westside pheasant hunters.
The following information was provided by Chris White. Note that percentages are guidelines and fluctuate due to bird counts, weather, delivery dates and site issues.
Skagit
10.8% of the total birds produced
4,320 for 2014 (390 per week)
4,061 were delivered in 2013
Lake Terrell
11.4% of the total birds produced
4,560 for 2014 (420 with a few 405’s per week)
4,287 were delivered in 2013
Cherry Valley
11.3% of the total birds produced
4,520 for 2014 (420 with a few 405’s per week)
4,249 were delivered in 2013
Whidbey Island
7.3% of the total birds produced
2,920 for 2014 (270 with a few 255’s)
2,745 were delivered in 2013
I will continue to keep you updated as new information comes my way.
Thanks for all the work you do to make this program what it is.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Russ
Russell Link
Wildlife Program Manager
Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
16018 Mill Creek Blvd.
Mill Creek, WA 98012
Office: 425-775-1311 ext. 110
Post by: Bmcox86 on August 12, 2014, 05:48:41 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on August 12, 2014, 05:51:28 PM
The email was directed at Region 4 only. :dunno:
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 13, 2014, 08:32:51 AM
I'll still be hitting Western WA as much as possible, but we'll do a few special trips to learn eastern better as well.
Curtis
Post by: singleshot12 on August 13, 2014, 11:11:37 AM
Does that mean no birds released at Stillwater and cresant lake or is that just the increased number
Looks like both will have releases this year..30-45 birds 3x a week
Sounds optimistic for the pheasant program. Hope more land is found and secured to help distribute the hunters soon.
Post by: singleshot12 on August 13, 2014, 11:14:09 AM
My wife and I are starting to see the writing on the wall with this program and are starting to venture east a little more.
Curtis
Writing on the wall? Do you think east is going to be better than west this year?
Post by: canyonduck on August 14, 2014, 08:24:27 AM
Post by: singleshot12 on August 14, 2014, 02:09:33 PM
There is no Pheasant Hunting in Western Washington - only pheasant shooting and the associated dog training that comes with exposing your dog(s) to birds.
I guess you've only hunted freshly released birds then and not hold-overs :dunno: Even pen raised phez get smart fast if lucky enough to survive the first 15 minutes.
Post by: hookedonquack20 on August 14, 2014, 02:36:51 PM
:chuckle:There is no Pheasant Hunting in Western Washington - only pheasant shooting and the associated dog training that comes with exposing your dog(s) to birds.
I guess you've only hunted freshly released birds then and not hold-overs :dunno: Even pen raised phez get smart fast if lucky enough to survive the first 15 minutes.
Post by: ctwiggs1 on August 15, 2014, 08:34:45 AM
That being said, it still is time in the fields with the dog and it's better than not going out.
Curtis