Western Washington Pheasant

Well the season opens this weekend and I bought an odd permit so I can hunt this Saturday. Thinking of going for the 8-10 session on Stillwater before I do some "real" hunting for grouse.

Any feedback on how this hunting is? I assume it is a zoo and wondering if it's worth it at all.

DF

I've only "hunted" the western release sites once and that was about 8 years ago but back then Stillwater was a zoo. Not just that but it was fairly dangerous with most people showing no regard to the fact they were carrying a firearm. The worst display of poor sportsmanship came when 5 (yes, 5) "hunters" shot the same bird and then preceeded to argue about the bird that probably wouldn't be worth cleaning after being peppered so badly. I can only imagine that on the opener it will be packed with people.

Stick with real hunting. Wild birds provide a challenge. All released birds provide is ammo for animal rights activists and a fair amount of simulated hunting for dog training.

Thanks for the insight. We actually assumed it would be as you described and passed to hunt Grouse in the high country of the Norse Peak Wilderness.

Had a fantastic day with two birds harvested in the end.

Looks like I wasted my money on the Western WA permit. Oh well...

DF