The Western Oregon Fee Pheasant Hunts offer new hunters a chance to hone their skills in a hunt that’s close to home and offers a good chance of bagging some birds.
1. Hunt areas are close by. Fee pheasant hunts are on ODFW wildlife areas near major metropolitan areas:
These hunts usually start in September and differ from area to area. Check the Game Bird Hunting Regulations for season dates in each area.
2. Hunting is relatively easy. The pen-raised birds you’ll be hunting don’t have the survival skills of wild birds, making them much easier to hunt.
3. You might bag your limit in just a few hours. Depending on how many birds the wildlife area puts out and how many other hunters are chasing them.
4. You won’t need scouting skills. Pheasants are released on the wildlife areas every few days during the fee hunting season and typically stick close to where they’re released. This makes it easier for hunters to find the pheasants and flush them out.
5. Camouflage clothing isn’t necessary. A pair of jeans or sturdypants and shoes for walking through brush are good ideas, as is a long-sleeved shirt. Add boots and rain gear if it’s wet. A blaze orange hat or vest also is recommended.
6. You don’t need a bird hunting dog. Although a dog can make it easier to find and flush a pheasant. A good dog will even retrieve it for you.
7. They’re a great first hunt after participating in an ODFW pheasant hunting workshop. These workshops teach shotgun skills safety and offer participants the chance to hunt with a dog and experienced hunter. Check MyODFW.com to see upcoming workshops and events.
We asked some experienced hunters for their tips for hunting ring-necked pheasants.
1. Select a 12, 16 or 20-gauge shotgun with a modified choke, and #3 or #4 steel shot. Non-toxic shot is required on ODFW wildlife areas.
2. If you’re new to shooting shotguns, practice on clay birds first. You’ll be more confident and be more accurate when it comes time to shoot at birds.
3. Always follow these basic hunting safety rules:
4. Learn what pheasants sound like to help you find them in the field. Listen to a ring-necked pheasant.
5. Choose cool, overcast days and hunt in the early to mid-mornings during these early fall hunts; avoid mid-day when it’s warmer and the birds are hunkered down.
6. As you’re hunting, look for good ring-necked pheasant habitat – areas with cover such as shrubs and taller grasses, and at the edges of ponds, channels or waterbodies.
7. Hunt the wildlife areas during the week, if you can. You’ll usually see fewer hunters than on weekends.
Once you’ve bagged your bird, you’ll want to skin it. Learn how with this video.
Good luck on your hunt. And if you get your bird(s), or even if you don't, send us a photo of your hunt!
Amanda Solla is the ODFW outreach and engagement coordinator.
Heading photo by Rick Swart.
Current conditions and opportunities to hunt, fish and see wildlife. Updated weekly by fish and wildlife biologists throughout the state.
