EE Wilson report

[Dr Strangelove]

Went down for the second to last day and saw they were planting 40 birds for 15 square miles... my buddy and I with a GSP and a Brittany hunted 6hrs and dropped one bird into a thicket of blackberry; no recovery possible. This place could be great, but oh how it's not. Don't think I'll be back.

[AtItAgain]

I hunted out there today also. I hunted for 4 hours and only saw one bird. It almost took my face off when it came up. Unfortunately, it startled me enough that I missed. I did however get one mallard. First time I have ever shot a duck out there.

I only hunted out there twice this year, but it has been different. I have never hunted as many hours as I have this year with out seeing birds. I hunted a total of 7 hours out there this year and only saw one bird in that time. In the past I would have seen 3 or 4 in that time.

[Wingmaster]

It seems I remember them plating somewhere near 90 or so birds a day last year? Maybe that was a weekend? Could have been the increased price of feed that dropped the number of birds they reared for this season.

[Hawk]

My son and I hunted it yesterday and he popped one for the three hours we were there. I don't know what you guys find, but it looks to me like the birds are runners rather than fliers. The one my son shot ran like a gazelle, with our lab in hot pursuit, and almost ran directly between us. It finally flared about 6' away from us.

I think the habitat is poorly managed there. They need to do controlled burns or something to clear out the blackberries. They could release a thousand birds, but when they hole up in the blackberries you either can't get 'em or it tears your dog up when they go in after them.

[Zbynek]

I've driven by there on my way to and from work every day this week. Lots of trucks with dog cages in the back and looks to be a good time.

Yesterday, at around 5pm, I stopped and counted 11 roosters together right off the road. This was by the main area where you can go in and look at the various birds caged next to the monster pen of ringnecks. Anyhow, these guys were all together running back and forth across the road. I wondered if they get released and try to come back home.

Anyhow, I saw another lone rooster in the same spot tonight. It made me almost want to hunt tomorrow, but seeing as I am without a dog and everyone and their dog will be out there on the final day, I don't think it is really worth it.

Good luck to you guys who will be trying tomorrow!

[thefishslayer]

how was the water level in the little pond by the fish pond

[The Duck]

I was out there today for the 5th time this season. One bird for all the effort. I agree 100% that they need to better manage the area. I also cannot understand why they plant only 30 to 50 birds a day, about 600 a season. Why can't they plant 2000 or more. We already pay $11.50 for 2 birds, if they need to charge a bit more it would be okay. At least a guy could have some better success and better work for the dogs. It is one of the few places to hunt pheasant in the valley and it doesn't cost as much as private hunts. I wonder if this is state run, who would be the people to answer these questions.
By the way, I usually post on the Salty Dogs but you guys are stuck with me now for the goose season.

[OSUhuntnfish]

I also think that the area doesn't have very good land management practices or lack thereof. It seems like the blackberries are slowly taking over the whole piece of land to where a guy can't really get to the birds. Out of the handfull of birds that I've ever flushed out there in the last 4-5 years have been in knee deep blackberries. I agree with whoever said that a controlled burn would be good, it'd do the place a lot of good!

[No Fences]

By the way, I usually post on the Salty Dogs but you guys are stuck with me now for the goose season.

Welcome to the Ihunt board!

[Blacktail Slayer]

I worked out there last season. There is only one employee that has been working out there since Jan. 1, 2008. Very little help out there. ODFW is trying to save some money since they were thousands and thousands of dollars in the hole from last years state wide pheasant hunt. Oregon pays way more for one bird than hunters pay for two. With only one employee out there it probably has made it hard to mow the blackberries. The rabbit hunters like to see some blackberries left for their hunt. Hunters have actually harvested most of the birds out there this year. It has been at least an average year for harvesting pheasants. I heard some people complain last year also about not seeing birds, but when I would be out working during the middle of the day I would see birds everywhere and could get within 10yds easy. I guess it just depends on time of day, hunting pressure, and a little luck. I was thinking of taking my bow out there one of this years to hunt pheasants. I think that it would be easy to get a bird with my bow and without a dog. Maybe people should try mid day hunts and not just early morning and late evening hunts. Just something to think about. I guess I'm also just used to hunting deer and elk. Hunters sometimes go years before harvesting an animal. You don't always hear them complain. Good luck that last day.

[dfontana]

Originally Posted by Hawk

My son and I hunted it yesterday and he popped one for the three hours we were there. I don't know what you guys find, but it looks to me like the birds are runners rather than fliers. The one my son shot ran like a gazelle, with our lab in hot pursuit, and almost ran directly between us. It finally flared about 6' away from us.

I think the habitat is poorly managed there. They need to do controlled burns or something to clear out the blackberries. They could release a thousand birds, but when they hole up in the blackberries you either can't get 'em or it tears your dog up when they go in after them.

Completely agree, I hunt it regularly because of convenience and I don't know why they don't do something about the blackberries

[Hookset]

What everyone needs to understand is the entire refuge has only 1 year round employee who has worked extremely hard to just keep E.E. Wilson open each year. The refuge has been on ODFW chopping block several times over the years so we're all fortunate this opportunity still exist. If it wasn't for Dave Budeau's diligence and hard work EE Wilson would likely have been closed years ago.

As far as habitat; if you think the blackberry's are bad now, you should have see it before Dave arrived. The area has seen several controlled burns, fields plowed under with new cover crops planted, lots of blackberry's have been mowed down and miles of trails were also mowed through the entire refuge to help provide access. Besides improving the grounds for upland birds, a lot more effort was extended to improve waterfowl habitat with the creation of ponds, flood controls, nesting boxes, bird banding and planting winter crops for migratory birds.

Granted, the blackberry's makes for tougher upland hunting, but as someone else mentioned, the rabbits need this habitat to escape the numerous birds of prey; the refuge is a popular destination for rabbit hunters too.

So you have to consider each user group and look at the entire package before making complaints. And when you consider the shoestring budget for the entire refuge and the fact the fee pheasant hunt is not self sustaining and actually cost ODFW more then the tags bring in; we are very fortunate that pheasants are still available and that EE Wilson is still open to the public.

[Hawk]

I'd say the rabbit hunters can have the south half, but they ought to burn a few of the northern sections each year and manage it specifically for upland.

Shucks, I'd volunteer time to work on it if the time could apply toward a Master Hunter certificate. Local FFA chapters could do some of the work if anyone from ODFW approached them. It could be such a cool place with a little elbow grease.

[Half fast Toyn]

Im training a pup out there.... and its been rough. Only got 4 birds in the air for 4 trips. No shooting yet.... just training.

[The Duck]

I think that some of the negative comments about EE Wilson has been taken as a slam against the fellow that works there or ODFW. This is not true, it is just comments on facts. I feel that it is a great place that could be made better. Given the problems that there is only one worker and ODWF wants to cut costs could be surmounted.
I heard that birds cost $16.00 each. Maybe the $11.50 tag can be increased to $32.50, a lot cheaper than $150.00 - $300.00 per day private hunts. There could also be a group formed called friends of EE Wilson to work on needed projects.
The Ifish/Ihunt community is a great way to get people together to do great things. I've seen it on the Salty dogs with the awareness made available on Marine Reserves and other issues.
If anyone is interested in doing something positive about this, I would be glad to help.

[Jeremy]

Dont almost all of the students in the fish and wildlife program at oregon state need internships at some point during the time they are there? Set up a revolving door internship program at EE wilson where you always have 3 or 4 students on hand to help out with things and you could probably get a lot of stuff done. I know they have students volunteering at the fish research center??? just a thought

[loper]

From the staff summary for the October 10 ODFW Commission meeting where the E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area Management Plan Final Draft was to be adopted:

"E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area
The E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area draft plan was presented and discussed at two public meetings: July 20th in Corvallis and August 12th in Salem. Two members of the public attended the first meeting. Two attended the second meeting in Salem.

Key issues and concerns raised at the meeting included:
control of noxious weeds (especially knapweed and Himalayan blackberry);
concern about EEWWA’s budget needs and support for charging user fees to non-hunters and non-anglers;
support for a financial package to specifically implement the EEWWA management plan;
increasing the number of access points for persons with disabilities; improving the safety of all users through signage, enforcement and hunter education."

My hunting partner and I were the two attendees of the meeting in Salem. Suffice it to say we had the full attention of the ODFW personnel.

One of the areas that we discussed in-depth was the idea that 80% or more of the usage of the wildlife area is by people who don't pay in support costs.

At that time I indicated to Mike Moore, E.E. Wilson Area Manager, that the Capitol Chapter of OHA was looking for more local projects to partner on; he stated he was quite willing to partner wherever possible and would inform us of new opportunities as they arose.

[Hawk]

Originally Posted by The Duck

I think that some of the negative comments about EE Wilson has been taken as a slam against the fellow that works there or ODFW. This is not true, it is just comments on facts. I feel that it is a great place that could be made better. Given the problems that there is only one worker and ODWF wants to cut costs could be surmounted.

I think the one guy out there is doing an admirable job given that he's the only guy for 15 square miles of stuff. Anyone trying to manage a farm that large would probably have far more that ONE guy!

Originally Posted by The Duck

I heard that birds cost $16.00 each. Maybe the $11.50 tag can be increased to $32.50, a lot cheaper than $150.00 - $300.00 per day private hunts. There could also be a group formed called friends of EE Wilson to work on needed projects.

Excellent suggestions. I go down to have a good time with my son; if we get any birds that's an added benefit. I'm not there to harvest meat for dinner, and $32.50 for a pair of birds IS far less than what the preserves are charging.

[Hawk]

Originally Posted by Jeremy

Dont almost all of the students in the fish and wildlife program at oregon state need internships at some point during the time they are there? Set up a revolving door internship program at EE wilson where you always have 3 or 4 students on hand to help out with things and you could probably get a lot of stuff done. I know they have students volunteering at the fish research center??? just a thought

Another good idea!

Plus, the local, rural fire districts need experience fighting grassland fires; let them practice burning chunks of EE Wilson. Paved roads all around for access and fire breaks and a lake for water; what more could they ask for for training purposes?

[dfontana]

Originally Posted by loper

From the staff summary for the October 10 ODFW Commission meeting where the E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area Management Plan Final Draft was to be adopted:

"E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area
The E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area draft plan was presented and discussed at two public meetings: July 20th in Corvallis and August 12th in Salem. Two members of the public attended the first meeting. Two attended the second meeting in Salem.

Key issues and concerns raised at the meeting included:
control of noxious weeds (especially knapweed and Himalayan blackberry);
concern about EEWWA’s budget needs and support for charging user fees to non-hunters and non-anglers;
support for a financial package to specifically implement the EEWWA management plan;
increasing the number of access points for persons with disabilities; improving the safety of all users through signage, enforcement and hunter education."

My hunting partner and I were the two attendees of the meeting in Salem. Suffice it to say we had the full attention of the ODFW personnel.

One of the areas that we discussed in-depth was the idea that 80% or more of the usage of the wildlife area is by people who don't pay in support costs.

At that time I indicated to Mike Moore, E.E. Wilson Area Manager, that the Capitol Chapter of OHA was looking for more local projects to partner on; he stated he was quite willing to partner wherever possible and would inform us of new opportunities as they arose.

Thats awesome, please keep me/us posted because I would be more than willing to help out. The convenience to me is worth any help I can provide, I love being able to go hunt for a couple hours after school.

[ogrejager]

Originally Posted by Hawk

Another good idea!

Plus, the local, rural fire districts need experience fighting grassland fires; let them practice burning chunks of EE Wilson. Paved roads all around for access and fire breaks and a lake for water; what more could they ask for for training purposes?

Speaking as one of those local, rural volunteer firefighters--a GREAT idea. Can we please?!?

[BrotherWolf]

What would it take to get volunters to help mow etc...they got the equipment and Im sure there is plenty of people that would put in some time to solve these issues.

[Hawk]

Mowing doesn't work well with blackberries; they wind around the mower whether you're using a rotary or flail mower. Burning or herbicides is about the only way to get rid of the darn things. In this case, burning would probably be cheaper.

[DogZilla15]

I asked Dave B. about this a while back and he said it was lack of funding.

I find it odd that when they run out of $$, they don't ask the public, PF or some other organization to lend a hand. I guess they figure if they don't have the money, it doesn't need doing...??? Plenty of volunteers out there I'm sure.

Where is OHA on this?

[BrotherWolf]

Originally Posted by DogZilla15

I asked Dave B. about this a while back and he said it was lack of funding.

I find it odd that when they run out of $$, they don't ask the public, PF or some other organization to lend a hand. I guess they figure if they don't have the money, it doesn't need doing...??? Plenty of volunteers out there I'm sure.

Where is OHA on this?

ya makes ya wonder where um OHA, DU, and Delta are ?????

[Blacktail Slayer]

Originally Posted by Hookset

What everyone needs to understand is the entire refuge has only 1 year round employee who has worked extremely hard to just keep E.E. Wilson open each year. The refuge has been on ODFW chopping block several times over the years so we're all fortunate this opportunity still exist. If it wasn't for Dave Budeau's diligence and hard work EE Wilson would likely have been closed years ago.

As far as habitat; if you think the blackberry's are bad now, you should have see it before Dave arrived. The area has seen several controlled burns, fields plowed under with new cover crops planted, lots of blackberry's have been mowed down and miles of trails were also mowed through the entire refuge to help provide access. Besides improving the grounds for upland birds, a lot more effort was extended to improve waterfowl habitat with the creation of ponds, flood controls, nesting boxes, bird banding and planting winter crops for migratory birds.

Granted, the blackberry's makes for tougher upland hunting, but as someone else mentioned, the rabbits need this habitat to escape the numerous birds of prey; the refuge is a popular destination for rabbit hunters too.

So you have to consider each user group and look at the entire package before making complaints. And when you consider the shoestring budget for the entire refuge and the fact the fee pheasant hunt is not self sustaining and actually cost ODFW more then the tags bring in; we are very fortunate that pheasants are still available and that EE Wilson is still open to the public.

I agree 100%

[Blacktail Slayer]

A lot of people wanting a change; yet no one volunteering their time to make it happen. Just about everyone wants someone else to do the work for them; so they can go out and hunt. Oh well; I guess I will be reading the same posts next year.

[Twitchs_Tackle]

Originally Posted by Hookset

What everyone needs to understand is the entire refuge has only 1 year round employee who has worked extremely hard to just keep E.E. Wilson open each year. The refuge has been on ODFW chopping block several times over the years so we're all fortunate this opportunity still exist. If it wasn't for Dave Budeau's diligence and hard work EE Wilson would likely have been closed years ago.

As far as habitat; if you think the blackberry's are bad now, you should have see it before Dave arrived. The area has seen several controlled burns, fields plowed under with new cover crops planted, lots of blackberry's have been mowed down and miles of trails were also mowed through the entire refuge to help provide access. Besides improving the grounds for upland birds, a lot more effort was extended to improve waterfowl habitat with the creation of ponds, flood controls, nesting boxes, bird banding and planting winter crops for migratory birds.

Granted, the blackberry's makes for tougher upland hunting, but as someone else mentioned, the rabbits need this habitat to escape the numerous birds of prey; the refuge is a popular destination for rabbit hunters too.

So you have to consider each user group and look at the entire package before making complaints. And when you consider the shoestring budget for the entire refuge and the fact the fee pheasant hunt is not self sustaining and actually cost ODFW more then the tags bring in; we are very fortunate that pheasants are still available and that EE Wilson is still open to the public.

Good words, thanks.

As for the bird price, I'm agreeing with what some have mentioned above. Man, I would LOVE for a pair of birds to only cost $11.50 from chick-release size. The price of feed alone has gone up 34% from where I get it since last May. If I sold the birds I raised, by cost... well, trust me, $11.50/2 is a steal!

[Hawk]

Originally Posted by Blacktail Slayer

A lot of people wanting a change; yet no one volunteering their time to make it happen. Just about everyone wants someone else to do the work for them; so they can go out and hunt. Oh well; I guess I will be reading the same posts next year.

I disagree; several people have volunteered to do stuff and there are organizations (OHA, PF, DU, et al) that do habitat projects on a regular basis.

Blacktail, you worked there, who would we contact to volunteer our time or pitch the idea of a controlled burn like ogrejager said.

[Reel Knotty]

I started hunting EE Wilson again after we moved back into Oregon about 7 years ago. The blackberries are better now than they were when I first moved back...there has been a lot of work and a few burns in those 7 years. It has improved.

More birds would be nice. When I was a teenager we hunted there. At that time, the state raised its own birds and there were a lot more released.

Go easy on the guy and volunteers there at EE. They work hard to keep the pheasant going for us!

I personally hunt there because I live really close and it is easy to get out with the dogs (the dogs make me go some days...you all know the look!) and get some exercise. A bird or two is gravy, especially if I get to hunt with a buddy or two and have a good time. Not to mention I usually end up losing a few pounds during the pheasant season.

[M'kay13]

I have been visiting the Double E for about the last ten years. I hunted and fished there because I was going to school in Monmounth and now I come back because I drive past there twice a day.

I enjoy hunting there because it is so convenient and inexpensive. I could spend A LOT more time and money to hunt pheasants, ducks, and rabbits, but I would not get to hunt as often.

This summer I picked gallons of blackberries, I hope I did my part to help with the blackberry problem.

I think the person working there has done a tremendous job managing the place.

[Dr Strangelove]

Boy, this is a lot of attention to my post. Nothing bad against the manager... the only thing needed is more birds. I like the place... it's just understocked. I've lost birds to berries before - that's the breaks. Maybe if Oregon adopted the 8 bird tag like Western Washington, they would have more money up front to buy birds (~$40), and instead of planting them everyday, perhaps 2-3 times/wk. The bonus is not having to schlep out to get a new tag every time you get 2 birds, or even worse, one bird one day and one the next. Not to sound like Seinfeld, but what's with a one month release season? At least go through Thanksgiving. Would that be so bad?

[Blacktail Slayer]

Originally Posted by Hawk

I disagree; several people have volunteered to do stuff and there are organizations (OHA, PF, DU, et al) that do habitat projects on a regular basis.

Blacktail, you worked there, who would we contact to volunteer our time or pitch the idea of a controlled burn like ogrejager said.

Contact Mike Moore at the refuge. He will be able to help you out and point you in the right direction. I think he is taking next week off to hunt deer the last week of season. I would try after that.

[bdcorrigan]

Mike Moore is doing a great job and I am willing to pay more for a tag, anything to get more birds out there.

[nehalemguy]

Originally Posted by Dr Strangelove

Went down for the second to last day and saw they were planting 40 birds for 15 square miles... my buddy and I with a GSP and a Brittany hunted 6hrs and dropped one bird into a thicket of blackberry; no recovery possible. This place could be great, but oh how it's not. Don't think I'll be back.

E.E. Wilson is no where near 15 square miles. It is about 2.5 miles north to south and about 1 mile wide on average. This also encompasses the safety zones.

I would love to see more birds as well but lets not overstate things.

E

[Lefty]

Originally Posted by Blacktail Slayer

Contact Mike Moore at the refuge. He will be able to help you out and point you in the right direction. I think he is taking next week off to hunt deer the last week of season. I would try after that.

I live across the street and would be more than happy to volunteer several hours helping out over there.....

[Old Guys Rule]

I have had great hunts on EE Wilson. It is NOT an easy hunt. More like a wild bird hunt, 1-2 hrs hunting per flush, your bag depends on luck of where the bird flushed and your shooting ability. A good dog can increase your odds dramatically.

The birds left now are runners. You really have to push them and read your dog. Two hunter/dog pairs working in combo is best as one can run the bird into another.

As for the blackberries, it is the best I have ever seen in 30 years of hunting EE. They are mowing a lot of paths and have cleared some fields. Great suggestions as to volunteers to clear and burn. If you are interested in volunteering for work, PM me and I will start a list of potential volunteers, amybe theough an Ifish group of Delta Waterfowl we can get a team together.

Bottom line is it costs money. ODFW lost $25K on the fee hunt last year. Budgets are tight and I for one am grateful for a pheasant hunting opportunity on the west side as I thought this program would be cut this year.

If you want to shoot more birds per hour and don't want to fight the crowds or blackberries so much call Chuck at Luckiamutte Valley Pheasants and he will set you up with 10 birds for $350. It is a wild bird hunt also, I would be surprised if you shot all 10 planters as they are wild runner hard flyer birds. Pick your poison, pay $11.50 per 2 bird tag and hunt EE or pay for a preserve hunt.

[Reel Knotty]

Originally Posted by Old Guys Rule

If you want to shoot more birds per hour and don't want to fight the crowds or blackberries so much call Chuck at Luckiamutte Valley Pheasants and he will set you up with 10 birds for $350. It is a wild bird hunt also, I would be surprised if you shot all 10 planters as they are wild runner hard flyer birds. Pick your poison, pay $11.50 per 2 bird tag and hunt EE or pay for a preserve hunt.

I second this. Wonderful people, a high quality bird, with abundant and varied terrain to hunt in. If you have the funds, you won't regret it.

[Benny]

No complaints. I hunted out there quite a bit during October and only came home with two birds, which I think was a pretty good deal for not having a dog.

I too live right next door, and I've run into Mike a few times. He's a pretty nice guy and I really like the amount of work they're getting done on the land. LOTS of mechanical treatments and its amazing they've been able to retain the fruit trees and all the diverse plant life.

[Blacktail Slayer]

Yep I agree with you on this one. I bet not that many people know that ODFW lost $25,000 last year so people could hunt their pheasants. Without help from hunters; you can probably say good-bye to pheasant hunting in Oregon. They are losing money all over the state to make people happy. That will only go on for so long and then it will be gone. Volunteer work and joining Pheasants Unlimited could really help hunters who still would like to hunt pheasants here in Oregon. Good luck.

Originally Posted by Old Guys Rule

I have had great hunts on EE Wilson. It is NOT an easy hunt. More like a wild bird hunt, 1-2 hrs hunting per flush, your bag depends on luck of where the bird flushed and your shooting ability. A good dog can increase your odds dramatically.

The birds left now are runners. You really have to push them and read your dog. Two hunter/dog pairs working in combo is best as one can run the bird into another.

As for the blackberries, it is the best I have ever seen in 30 years of hunting EE. They are mowing a lot of paths and have cleared some fields. Great suggestions as to volunteers to clear and burn. If you are interested in volunteering for work, PM me and I will start a list of potential volunteers, amybe theough an Ifish group of Delta Waterfowl we can get a team together.

Bottom line is it costs money. ODFW lost $25K on the fee hunt last year. Budgets are tight and I for one am grateful for a pheasant hunting opportunity on the west side as I thought this program would be cut this year.

If you want to shoot more birds per hour and don't want to fight the crowds or blackberries so much call Chuck at Luckiamutte Valley Pheasants and he will set you up with 10 birds for $350. It is a wild bird hunt also, I would be surprised if you shot all 10 planters as they are wild runner hard flyer birds. Pick your poison, pay $11.50 per 2 bird tag and hunt EE or pay for a preserve hunt.

[salty dog]

I think the place is in great shape for one guy working. I appreciate the trails that have been mowed through some of the thickest areas in the past couple of years. And I also think the fees are more than fair. I live close and was able to take time off to hunt 4-5 days this year. On most of the weekdays there weren't enough people to push birds. I'm for extending the season through Thanksgiving as was suggested. My dog agrees.