Western WA Pheasant Release Sites

[topcd098]

Was thinking about doing the Western WA pheasant deal. Have not done it in the past. With diesel prices where they are thought it might be worth looking into. Anyone have advice? I have a GSP that needs to be in front of birds. Still plan on hitting the chukar, couple of wild pheasant hunts, and have been go after grouse.

My concern is that I have heard stories about how the release sites are full of JV guys that don't know the basics of hunter safety. Perhaps I have had bad intel.

[steelheadslayer]

They can be quite crowded due to what I would call lack of opportunity unless you hunt a release site. So, take a lot of hunters and pack em in a fairly small area and you will dodge pellets, I've been hit a few times and haven't hunted a release site in a lot of years. With a new pup I will also try it this year so she can get an idea of what we're looking for. I have learned that hunting after the first few hours will be a lot less crowded and a lot more enjoyable without dogs growling and seeing who can be King of the hill.

Good Luck!!!

[topcd098]

I was worried about that. My GSP is three. Solid dog. Whistle trained will point and retrieve. Just trying to figure out a way to get out in the field more without having to be desperate.

[Gunner]

It's probably worth a try to see how you like it. It can be very crowded if you hit it on Wednesday and Saturday mornings as they usually release birds the night before those days.
However, if you can hunt weekdays or wait until the afternoons, the crowds are or have thinned out some and its not all that bad. Just be prepared to change direction every so often because someone jumps in front of you or came in from the other direction.
Another spot you might try that I like a little better than the WA release sites is Sauvies Island. You have to buy an out of state license and the drive is futher but i think the hunting experience is a little better.
Good luck. Gunner

[WSU]

It's not bad at all, at least in the seattle area sites, if you wait for mid-day or afternoon. Mornings are like a civil war reenactment with everyone lined up marching across the field.

[duck_crazy101]

i hunt the vancouver lake realese site the bast way to hunt is to wait 5 min after shooting time because all the guys think it is a race and they will run right past birds i ussally get my limit when i walk behind were a guy just was